Godfrey Sapula biography, age, skills, profile, house, latest news
Godfrey Sapula is a retired football player that used to play for local and international teams. Locally, he played for clubs such as Mamelodi Sundown, Platinum Stars, as well as for the national team. In 2007, during his time at Sundowns, he won the PSL Player of the Season award and was named KICK OFF footballer of the season. He is now the Mamelodi Sundowns’ Under-17 coach and has led the team to win various tournaments.
Source: UGC
Despite holding the football legend status, Sapula opened up in 2019 about his gambling addiction. He has been battling the problem since 2012. Read the following Godfrey Sapula biography to learn more about the soccer legend.
Godfrey Sapula profile summary
- Full name: Godfrey Zolile Sapula
- Date of birth: 17th November 1973
- Godfrey Sapula age: 47 years as of 17th November 2020
- Nationality: South Africa
- Occupation: Former South African soccer player, soccer youth coach
- Position: Midfielder
Personal life
Godfrey was born on 17th November 1973 in Soweto, Gauteng, South Africa. The football legend has not shared a lot concerning his upbringing and family.
Source: UGC
Career
Godfrey Sapula is Mamelodi Sundowns' Under-17 coach. He has achieved a lot during his time as a youth coach. The star has led the team to get four tournament titles, including two Engen Cups, the Gauteng Future Champs, and the international Gothia Cup.
The retired footballer was one of the most talented players during his time as a player in the South African Premier Soccer League. The former footballer played for the South Africa national team, Bafana Bafana, where he scored one goal in 24 game appearances. Before his retirement in July 2010, he played for the PSL’s Platinum Stars where he made 22 appearances and scored 3 goals. Other Godfrey Sapula statistics include the following:
- Mamelodi Sundowns: Played from 2002 to 2008 where he scored 21 goals in 124 appearances. He won the PSL Player of the Season Award in 2007 and was named KICK OFF Footballer of the Season in the 2006/2007 season.
- Orlando Pirates: Played from 2000 to 2002, made 48 game appearances, and scored 2 goals.
- Ankaragucu: Played from 1999 to 2000 and made 2 game appearances.
- Jomo Cosmos: Played from 1998 to 1999, made 30 game appearances, and scored 1 goal.
- Jomo Cosmos: Played from 1993 to 1998, made 110 game appearances, and scored 6 goals.
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Source: UGC
Godfrey Sapula skills
The retired soccer player used to be called the Godfather during his playing days. He was South Africa’s football reigning king in the 2000s. His skills saw him win over 20 national cups for his teams. Godfrey’s best football skills statistics include the following"
- Short pass: 78
- FK Acc: 78
- Ball control: 77
- Crossing: 77
- Acceleration: 74
He is also working to improve his coaching skills by taking coaching courses. He now has a Caf B license and is working on achieving an A license, which is Africa’s highest coaching accolade.
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Godfrey Sapula latest news
In 2019, the former Sundowns' midfielder opened up about his addiction to gambling. He revealed that the problem started in 2012 when he joined his friend, who taught him the art of gambling. He tried his luck on the slot machine using his friend’s coins. He came back after a few months and kept winning. His desire to continue winning propelled him to try other gambling games, including the roulette at the casino and horse racing.
As an addict, he did not realize he was losing as his eventual aim was to win. By 2014, the Sundowns' youth coach had drained his bank accounts and borrowed money he did not repay. He thought he was better off compared to other gamblers because he did not sell Godfrey Sapula house or other property to take care of the addiction. However, the gambling problem significantly reduced Godfrey Sapula net worth.
Godfrey Sapula gambling addiction made him neglect his family and acquaintances. In 2016, he went to rehab after persuasion from his family. He managed to control the addiction but relapsed in 2018 after his friends lured him back. He asked the country to pray for him.
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Source: UGC
Godfrey Sapula remains one of the best players South Africa has ever had. His legendary status will remain in football history despite the challenges he faces. He is now nurturing young talents by helping them understand their playing potential.
READ ALSO: 10 South African PSL football players who went broke
Briefly.co.za reported about the rise and eventual fall of several South African soccer players. They include Philemon Masinga, Thembinkosi Fanteni, Junaid Hartley, Jethro Mohlala, Ndumiso Vezi, and others. These footballers were once respected players in PSL but retired with empty bank accounts.
Talent is important but having financial knowledge is equally essential. Personal financial management has always been a problem for top sportsmen and women. They live in their stardom moment and forget that there is life after that. Prime years for sporting legends are between 20 years and 40 years. They should be able to look beyond that by spending wisely and engaging in viable investments.
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Source: Briefly News
