In our latest feature of Where Are They Now, KickOff catches up with former Orlando Pirates defender Lucas "Luk' Around" Tlhomelang.
The Vryburg-born 46-year-old was also an important member of the famous 2008 Mpumalanga Black Aces squad.
Who am I?
"Lucas Tlhomelang was born in Vryburg in the North-West province but moved to Taung which is 52 kilometres away from Vryburg.
"I started my football career at Jomo Cosmos in 1996. From 2002 until 2003 I played for Orlando Pirates. From there I went to Bloemfontein Celtic until 2005/06.
"From there I went to AmaZayoni which is Mpumalanga Black Aces in Emalahleni. I played there from 2008 until 2012. That's where I retired."
My playing days
"Football was enjoyable in our days, stadiums were always full. At Cosmos, the stadium used to be full even against teams like Celtic.
"These days people are no longer going to Stadiums because teams play long balls, and all players play the same way.
"In our days we had unique talents like Gift Leremi, Steve Lekoelea, and Dikgang Mabalane. At Celtic, I was playing alongside the likes of Jurry Merahe, Kleinbooi Taaibos and Siyabonga Nkosi.
"But these days we are playing textbook football and VAR football, and supporters are not interested."
Did I make money from soccer?
"I was born in a poor family, so whatever I was getting from football I was sharing it with my family.
"We are five siblings so imagine five mouths depending on a single salary to survive.
"I never even owned a brand-new car; I only drove second-hand cars. I shared my football money with my family."
Where I'm living?
"I'm based in Vryburg with my family and my children."
Jobs since playing the game?
"I used to be part of the Build-It Under-13 School Tournament. We would invite legends like Jabu Pule and Pollen Ndlanya."
My current job
"At the moment I'm coaching the Under-9 to Under-13 at Vryburg Primary School. And I'm also busy with my coaching courses in Zeerust.
"I thank God for my fiancé. We managed to build rental rooms which we've rented out to people."
If you could don't again
"The first thing I'd fix is having unnecessary friends. I had the wrong friends. Because of the wrong friends, I ended up thinking I was Mr. Jozi drinking alcohol and doing all the wrong things.
"Immediately I joined Pirates I started having so many friends. That's where things started to go wrong for me.
"Most players used to go to a nightclub called Intersection in Randburg. We'd go every Sunday and only leave at 4 in the morning, and report for training at 8 am.
"Because of that lifestyle, you end up going to the gym smelling alcohol, or even not going to training at all."