Lebohang Nkaki’s Remarkable Rise: From ABC Motsepe League to Betway Premiership Ironman

Polokwane City defender Lebohang Nkaki is the embodiment of resilience and patience, having only made his Betway Premiership breakthrough at the age of 30. Now 32, the Protea South-born centre-back has become a mainstay in the Limpopo club’s defence, underlining the rewards of perseverance in South African football.

Since Polokwane City’s return to the top flight two seasons ago, Nkaki has featured in every single league fixture, starting and completing all but one. Out of 65 competitive matches played by the club in that period, he has missed only one — a testament to both his durability and discipline. Remarkably, despite playing in one of the most physically demanding positions on the pitch, he has not picked up a single suspension in two years.

Nkaki credits his consistent performances and injury-free record to the training culture at Polokwane. “The way we train is the reason why I think I have never been injured here at Polokwane,” he says. “Then there is also mentality because it counts a lot in this game based on what you want and how you are driven to get it. I have a coach who also encourages me to keep pushing without feeling like I’m bigger than the team. I have never felt like the team needs me more than I need the team. Plus, at my age, I have to put my chance to good use.”

His journey to the top was anything but smooth. Nkaki revealed that he had an opportunity to sign for a Premiership club as early as 2014 following a trial at Polokwane City under then-coach Kosta Papic, but it fell through due to off-field complications. “I was meant to sign in 2014 after I came for trials, but it didn’t happen because of issues related to managers and the fact that maybe I wasn’t known,” he recalls.

“Back then, I trained with Polokwane for five weeks when Kosta Papic was in charge. Strangely, when he told me I would be amongst those cut off, he also mentioned that we would meet in the PSL.”

Nkaki also had brief trials at Baroka FC, but left after a week without feedback, a moment that highlighted the financial strain aspiring footballers often face. “I don’t come from a well-off family, so when I went for trials, I had to use family money. So, when I saw that they were not saying anything while I was feeding myself from my pocket, I then left,” he says.

Before landing at Polokwane, Nkaki spent years climbing through South Africa’s football pyramid. He featured for Mapetla Brazil, African Stars, Munsieville Stars, Vaal Professionals, Orange Vaal Professionals, Mangaung United, and Dikwena United — all of which competed in the lower-tier ABC Motsepe League. He also had a short stint at JDR Stars in the First Division, but never got registered despite completing pre-season.

“At JDR Stars, I did pre-season with them, but I was never registered and from there I came to Polokwane,” he adds.

Now one of the league’s most consistent performers, Nkaki’s story stands as a powerful reminder that persistence pays off. In the 2024/25 campaign, he was one of only two players to play every minute of the season, the other being Cape Town City’s veteran goalkeeper Darren Keet. For Nkaki, the long road to the Premiership has only fuelled his hunger to make every game count.