Full Name: Ratha “Greaves” Mokgoatlheng 
Place of Birth: Alexandra Township, South Africa 
Profession: Former Footballer, Lawyer, Judge 
Notable Contributions: Co-founder of Kaizer Chiefs, Former Orlando Pirates player, South African High Court Judge

Early Life
Ratha Mokgoatlheng was born in Alexandra township and later moved to Diepkloof, Soweto. He played football from a young age and famously wore spectacles during matches. His academic and athletic abilities would later shape a unique career straddling law and sport.

Photo provided by Rodney Pheto:

Football Career

Orlando Pirates
Mokgoatlheng joined Orlando Pirates, one of South Africa’s most historic football clubs. However, his time with the Buccaneers was short-lived. He, along with Thomas ‘Zero’ Johnson and Edward ‘Msomi’ Khoza, was expelled from the club after participating in an unsanctioned football trip to Botswana as guest players.

Co-founding Kaizer Chiefs
Following the expulsion from Pirates, Mokgoatlheng played a pivotal role in founding **Kaizer Chiefs** alongside Kaizer Motaung. He continued to play for the newly formed club even while attending law school.

Student-Athlete
Mokgoatlheng attended the University of Fort Hare to study law, balancing his studies with an active football career. He remained with Kaizer Chiefs throughout his university years and continued playing even after qualifying as a lawyer.

Legal Career

Attorney and Judge
He did his articles at Bowman Gilfillan law firm and was admitted as an attorney in 1976. After 30 years of practice, he became an acting judge in 2002 and was appointed a full-time judge in 2007.

Notable Cases
– **Richard Mdluli Case**: Sentenced the former spy boss to five years for kidnapping and assault. 
– **HHP Customary Marriage Ruling**: Recognized Lerato Sengadi as the customary wife of hip-hop icon HHP in a landmark ruling.

• He is currently presiding over the Senzo Meyiwa case.

Personal Life
Judge Mokgoatlheng is married and has two children. His family once pursued football opportunities overseas. He is known for his fairness and integrity, both on the pitch and from the bench. When sentencing, he often says, “Come back a better person.”

Legacy
Ratha Mokgoatlheng’s legacy bridges sport and law. From the pitch of Soweto to the highest echelons of the judiciary, he has served as a role model for excellence, transformation, and discipline. His role in co-founding Kaizer Chiefs ensures his name will forever be etched in the history of South African football.

Summary Profile
Name: Ratha Mokgoatlheng 
Born: Alexandra Township, later Diepkloof 
Profession: Footballer (ret.), Attorney, High Court Judge

Key Contributions:
– Former Orlando Pirates player 
– Co-founder and player at Kaizer Chiefs 
– Practiced law for 30 years 
– Acting Judge (2002), Appointed Full-time Judge (2007)