Lawrence “Big Bear” Ngubane was born in Durban, in 1947. He played football at a young age and was a successful amateur player. In the 1960’s Mr. Ngubane played for a club from Hammarsdale called Iyasha Swallows. He left Iyasha Swallows to form his own team called Young Stars. Young Stars was a successful team winning many league and cup titles in Hammarsdale. Ngubane played a leading role in organizing football in Hammarsdale. He represented and captained the Camperdown District Football Association. Lawrence Ngubane was one of the founders of the Natal first division of the National Professional Soccer League. He was also the first chairman of the Ellerine League.
In 1980, Lawrence Ngubane took over relegated African Wanderers. The team was promoted within a season. For three seasons African Wanders remained in top flight football under Lawrence Ngubane. His most memorable footballing moment with African Wanders was the 2-1 win over Kaiser Chiefs in the Mainstay Cup. In 1983 Lawrence Ngubane took over Bush Bucks. In 2003 Mr. Ngubane co-foundered Durban Stars. Mr. Ngubane was the owner of Thanda Royals Zulu and passed away in October 2016.