Premier Soccer League earning big bucks every month often lack focus and proper career management leading to self destructive behaviour inclusive of drug and alcohol abuse.
Discipline issues off the field impaired both Bibo and Shuffle from fulfilling their massive potential and talent in Gauteng’s high and fast lane of football royalty.
Two former Premiership stars who had promising careers yet pressed the self-destruct button Thandani “Bibo” Ntshumayelo and Jabu Mahlangu united for a good and common cause to fight and teach the Rustenburg community about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse.
Ntshumayelo, a former Orlando Pirates midfield stalwart was banned from football for cocaine use in 2016 after testing positive which saw him handed a four-year suspension.
“Bibo” has struggled to find a club since his four-year drug ban was lifted in 2018 despite having trained with Bidvest Wits, Highlands Park, and SuperSport United.
The 29-year-old has surfaced at JDR Stars in the GladAfrica Championship as the side second on the league table behind Jomo Cosmos chase for promotion to top-flight football.
On the other hand, Jabu Mahlangu was a fan favourite during his time at Kaizer Chiefs entertaining fans with his dazzling skills but his tenure there was largely troubled with a series of going AWOL on drinking sprees.
Mahlangu, formerly of Kaizer Chiefs is now a motivational speaker, TV analyst and ambassador of SuperSport United is sharing stories and opening up about his alcohol addiction, heavy partying and the love of fast cars with different communities targeting mainly youngsters.
Amakhosi’s efforts of taking Mahlangu to different rehab centres across country during his heydays largely failed to bear fruit and Mahlangu’s career was affected.
Ntshumayelo seems to be following suit in offering motivation and sharing his story also as the pair were together in Rustenburg to share their sad stories of the “highs” that got them down in an Instagram post shared by Mahlangu.
“I describe myself as a cat. I should have died a long time ago. How on earth am I still alive to this day I don’t know. I bought alcohol for everyone and I had lots of friends.”
“I am saying all this because I don’t want today’s footballers to fall into the same situation.” said Mahlangu
Mahlangu went further to warn the footballers about the company they should keep, and they type of cars they decide to buy.
“Football is a short-term career; ask me I know all about it. How do you buy a top of the range car while you don’t even have a driver’s licence? Most footballers buy driver’s licence, that’s why we have many accidents on the road. Investing in property is the way to go as it will take care of you when you hang up your boots.” said Mahlangu in a motivating speech that he is now getting well accustomed to as he aims to model and chisel upcoming footballers”.
Mahlangu now speaks from the experience of having had a checkered career as lifestyle and off-field issues crippled several comebacks at teams in Europe and SA.
By Gerald Dandah
