Orlando Pirates midfielder Xola Mlambo has made an urgent appeal to footballers to invest their money wisely, citing former Mamelodi Sundowns star Lerato Chabangu’s fall from grace.

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

Mlambo had his say on the demise of the former Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns star, suggesting that he should be seen as an example to players why investing their money wisely is of utmost importance.

‘It’s different now compared to the olden days. I think during the Lerato Chabangu’s playing days, not a lot was done to make players invest their money properly. I can never be sure about that though, because I was not there,’ he told The Citizen.

‘But looking at the current situation, a lot has been done in terms of teaching us about money. About how to invest and save money for the future. They’re trying their level best and all we (the players) have to do is to meet them halfway.

‘The first thing they should do is to learn from other people’s experiences and not to experience their hardships at first hand. They should know where they’re coming from.

‘They should know their goals and expectations and what they want in life. They should learn to invest even before they turn professional so that it can be easier for them when they do.

‘Sometimes it’s difficult to deal with a bigger amount of money if you have not dealt with a smaller amount properly. You start with the smaller amount that you have so that you can cope with the bigger amount when it comes,’ he concluded.

Mlambo will be hoping to get back to winning ways following their disappointment of losing to Baroka in the Telkom Knockout final as they face Free State Stars in an Absa Premiership encounter at the Goble Park stadium on Tuesday night at 7:30pm.

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