A 20-year-old Vereeniging woman has accused former Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana midfielder Steve “Chippa” Lekoelea of forcing  her to have sex with him.

The woman blew the whistle on Chippa last month, alleging that he raped her following a heavy bout of all night drinking in Sharpeville, south of Gauteng. Police took the footballer into custody following the charge, but he was released on R2000 bail after appearing in the Vereeniging Magistrates’ Court on June 11.

According to the woman’s statements, Lekoelea picked her up at an unnamed location on Friday June 8, before escorting her to a friend’s party in the township’s Zone 14 area.

An unnamed source told the Sunday World that the woman and the footballer were boozing together throughout the evening and into the early hours of the next morning.

“They went there and drank until the wee hours of Saturday June 9,” said the source.

In the wake of their drinking binge, the 33-year-old Chippa drove the young lady to her home in Sonlandpark, Vereeniging before following her into her bedroom, where he allegedly strapped on a condom and raped her.

“She was raped in her house,” said the source.

The woman, who has thus far refrained from talking directly to the media, laid a charge of rape against  Lekoelea at Vereeniging Police Station soon after the alleged incident. The on-duty officers escorted her to local district surgeon, where she received medical assistance. Police are still waiting for the results of a medical analysis before proceeding with their investigation.

“The police are still waiting for the results and will take the matter from there,” said the informant.

Vereeniging police spokesperson Shado Mashobane has verified that Lokoelea was taken into custody on chages of rape, before being released on bail. He will appear at the court again on July 16. When asked for further details, Mashobane cited the sub-judice rule and refused to comment further.

Chippa, who was born Steve Motsiri, rose to prominence in football circles after joining Moroka Swallows at the age of 16. He would later achieve national celebrity upon joining the popular club Orlando Pirates. He has also represented the national team. He could not be reached for inquiry.