Former Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns star Lerato Chabangu admits that he is keen to get back on to the field of play after losing everything from his days as a professional footballer.
The former SuperSport United player recently made headlines when an image of him holding a beer was circulated on social media. Chabangu’s financial struggles subsequently came to light, with reports revealing that he is down and out and living with his grandmother in Tembisa.
Apparently Lerato Chabangu is living with his grandma in Tembisa #16Ngcoli_Ngcoli pic.twitter.com/4IMR4rTs5s
— Je m’appelle (@uNothisa) December 5, 2018
The 33-year-old, who rose to fame during his four-year stint with Masandawana from 2005 until 2009, appeared on Robert Marawa’s Marawa Sports Worldwide show on Radio 2000 and made a few revelations.
‘You can say I have been hiding from people, I don’t even go to stadiums,’ the former AmaTuks man told Marawa.
‘I do feel like I’m depressed. I comfort myself by watching TV. I disappointed lots of people.
‘I was found in a wrong space, most of my friends were living in township. I could say that I have destroyed myself, I can’t really blame others. If you are at the wrong space, the negative things will catch you,’ he added.
Chabangu revealed his plans to start a foundation to ensure that other people from similar backgrounds do not fall into the same traps that he did.
‘This problem that I am having (depression), I know I am not alone. I was hoping to open the Lerato Chabangu Foundation to help (people) where I come from.
‘I will be open to help the younger ones that are coming (through). They should not go through what I went through.
‘Be careful what you do in life, be strong and keep praying, it will help. Thanks for the loved ones who have been following and supporting me, I really appreciate that.
Thank you @robertmarawa @MarawaSportShow @Bevstar7 for such a great interview with #LeratoChabangu “FRIENDS OF LERATO CHABANGU” pic.twitter.com/qZGzZhAOcB
— Baleseng (@balinolo_more) December 5, 2018
‘I have never retired. I can play at least one or two years if I get a chance,’ he concluded.
Photo: Gallo Images