SOCCER great Jan "Malombo" Lechaba found himself on the wrong side of the law during Operation Shanela.
The former Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns star, who made a name for himself in the 1970s and 80s as a stylish midfielder, was slapped with a fine for failing to renew the licence disc of his white Astra.
Lechaba, who's widely respected as one of the legends of South African football and later served as Chiefs' team manager, was stopped along with dozens of other motorists at Simon Vermooten Road, Silverton, during the operation on Thursday, 18 September.
The blitz was led by Gauteng Deputy Police Commissioner Major General Fred Kekana, targeting crime hot spots in Eersterust and Silverton.
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Speaking to Daily Sun, Lechaba took the fine in good spirit.
"These people are doing their jobs. I know some people don't like roadblocks, but they will help minimise crime. If we have them regularly, our country will be safer," he said.
The legend admitted he forgot to pay for the disc on one of his cars.
"I'm driving more than one car, and I just forgot to renew this one. It's a minor thing and I will pay it," he said.
Lechaba, who remains an outspoken voice in football circles, also weighed in on the current PSL season.
"The league is very competitive and tough. Sundowns, Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Sekhukhune United are all doing well," he said, adding it's still too early to predict who will lift the trophy.
Even off the pitch, Malombo is keeping busy. He continues to mentor young footballers, takes part in community tournaments, and shares his insights on the state of South African football through interviews and media appearances.
He remains passionate about helping develop talent in townships and pushing for discipline and structure in grassroots football, ensuring his legacy goes beyond his playing days.
