TALENTED YET GOING ASTRAY

Dumisani Zuma is not the first talented South African footballer to see his career threatened by off-field problems.

There has been plenty before him like Lerato Chabangu, Mbulelo ‘Old-John’ Mabizela, Masibusane Zongo, Tokelo Rantie, Jabu Pule and Junior Khanye, whose careers never blossomed after failing to handle the fame and fortune which football brought them. Even right now there are players struggling to find the balance in the domestic game.

A prime example is Phakamani Mahlambi who has been sinking his career into the abyss.

From being the promising teenager who broke through at Wits, he has now found himself merely wasting away during loan spells at AmaZulu and now Chippa United where he has made little contribution. SuperSport United’s wantaway midfielder Sipho Mbule has also not helped himself with questionable tendencies.