Former Orlando Pirates Captain Lucky Lekgwathi Announces New Restaurant Set To Open In Soweto
Former Orlando Pirates Captain Lucky Lekgwathi Announces New Restaurant Set To Open In Soweto. Orlando Pirates legend Lucky Lekgwathi has broadened his business portfolio as he continues his success off the field post-retirement. Lekgwathi is widely known for his exploits on the pitch with Pirates between 2002 and 2014, during which he captained the club to a famous double treble.
He is now just days away from opening a flagship restaurant in Kliptown, Soweto, called ‘Grootman by Lucky Lekgwathi’, with a media launch set for Wednesday, 21 April. The ex-Bucs skipper explained that the name was inspired by his nickname that many refer to him by now that he is retired and a senior figure in the community. “Most of the people call me ‘Grootman’ that’s why that name,” he explained on his official Facebook page in response to one user questioning his name choice.
Lucky Lekgwathi is a South African retired footballer and businessman. He played for South Africa at the 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup, at which South Africa were guests. He is arguably Orlando Pirates’ most successful captain, having captained them to six trophies in 2 seasons (2010/10 & 2011/12) under Dutch legend, Ruud Krol, making Pirates the only Double Treble Champions since the formation of the PSL. He was very instrumental in ending Orlando Pirates’ 8 year league drought, scoring crucial goals in the process, most notably a winner against Supersport United.
Many people call him ‘Captain my Captain’, because the club skipper had a hugely impressive 2010/11 and 2011/12 season, as he played a significant role in helping Orlando Pirates dominate South African Football for two consecutive seasons. The veteran defender became the clubs’ darling and an inspirational leader to the younger players in the squad. According to Kick Off Magazine, the 44-year-old former defender has now taken his success into business, as he has also started his own clothing label called ‘Fantastic 14’, in honour of his past jersey number.
