Trying to pick up the pieces

MOKHETHI LOST HIS WAY AMID THE BRIGHT LIGHTS, NOW HE WANTS A SECOND CHANCE

When he broke into the professional ranks at 17, Koloko Mokhethi saw every piece in his puzzle fall into place. It had been his dream since he was a young boy – kicking around a makeshift ball in the dusty streets of Botshabelo – to play the game professionally and live off it.

Mokhethi joined then National First Division side African Warriors in 2007 and after four years he had made such great strides that Bloemfontein Celtic came knocking. It was an exciting time as the country was abuzz with the 2010 Fifa World Cup around the corner. He was so good he soon earned himself the nickname “Kannemeyer” after former Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns left-back David Kannemeyer.

“My dreams had come true,” he said. Mokhethi had already won caps with the national Under-17 and Under-20 teams and looked forward to being a Bafana Bafana star in future. While at Celtic, he was called up for the Under-23s as well and his career and future looked bright.

Fast forward to 2019, Mokhethi is 28 and has no club. What happened? “Mistakes,” he answers with a sigh. He admits that when his career took off, he forgot what he had wanted to achieve from the game and his career went downhill.

After four years at Phunya Sele-Sele, Mokhethi joined Golden Arrows in Durban and it is the vibe that the coastal city is known for that led to Mokhethi losing his way. He started mixing with wrong people and forgot he had come to Abafana

Bes’thende to play football and not party around the city.

“Ey,” he says and draws a big breath. “I started going out too often and partying… I was drinking like it was going out of fashion. I had friends who encouraged me to spend my money on them and women who were always hanging around.

“My brother, all I want to say is that I apologise to everyone I disappointed and hurt with my behaviour. I messed up. I have learnt from it all and all I need now is a second chance,” he said.

Arrows eventually got tired of his waywardness and released him. He later joined NFD side FC Cape Town but when the club was sold he found himself in limbo and it has now been a year-and-a-half.

“To be honest, I don’t blame the people who led me astray because I was a willing participant. I could easily have moved away because there were people warning me about my behaviour.

“I take full responsibility. I hurt myself and my family and those who believed in me. I had young boys from back home who looked up to me whom I disappointed.

“Alcohol destroyed me. But I have learnt my lesson. I am 28 and can still play for at least another four or five years,” he said.

For now, Mokhethi has to rely on his mother and girlfriend. “It’s tough, my brother … I am just glad my mom and girlfriend didn’t turn their backs on me. They are very supportive but it hurts me a lot because naturally I should be the one providing for them,” said Mokhethi. He said he still keeps fit by training on his own. He was set for a move back to Celtic but the club’s current financial predicament put an end to that dream.

“I hope other players can learn from my story … I know when you still have a team you think it will never end, but look at me now.”