Former Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns star Lerato Chabangu admits that he is keen to get back onto the field of play after losing everything from his days as a professional footballer.
The former SuperSport United recently made headlines when an image of him holding a beer was circulated on social media. Chabangu’sfinancial 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 no fall into the same trap 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