Former Bafana and PSL Star Hopes to Start a New Chapter After Battling Personal Issues

Former Bafana and PSL Star Hopes to Start a New Chapter After Battling Personal Issues

  • Former Bafana Bafana and PSL star Lerato Chabangu is continuing his rehabilitation from drug abuse and has stated the path he would like to follow in the future
  • Chabangu said he would love to use his 15-year experience as a player to become a top coach dedicated to helping younger players
  • Local football fans reacted on social media to offer support to the 39-year-old, while others were pessimistic about his future goals

Troubled former footballer Learato Chabangu said he has plans once he completes his battle against addiction in rehab.

Chabangu, who had two stints for Mamelodi Sundowns, has struggled with addiction issues and has fallen on hard times since retiring from football in 2018.

Lerato Chabangu is recovering from addiction issues in rehab.
Former Bafana Bafana star Lerato Chabangu wants to become a coach after his stint in rehab. Image: Anesh Debiky/Gallo Images and Stu Forster/Getty Images.
Source: Getty Images

The 39-year-old said he hopes to one day use his experience as a player to become a coach after he continues his progress in rehab.

Lerato Chabangu opens up about his future

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Chabangu speaks about his future plans in the tweet below:

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According to FARPost, Chabangu said he wants to pursue a coaching career, as he looks to put his past transgressions behind him.

Chabangu said:

“I never coached before, but I would give input to local teams [in Tembisa] and I like analysing when I am watching football on TV. I have learnt so much in my whole career, and I can say I have a lot of experience that a lot of people might want me to share. I would consider that when I come out of rehab, I will be busy with a coaching course when I come out and see where it takes me.”

The former footballer gave an update on his rehab in the tweet below:

Chabangu has fallen on hard times

Since hanging up his boots, Chabangu has fallen on hard times financially and has been staying with family while starting on the road to recovery.

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Chabangu has spent the last few months in rehab, while he has often gained support from former footballers and fans, including local musician, DJ Karri.

Due to the support, Chanbangu has backed himself to complete his rehab and start giving back to the game that he loves.

Lerato Chabangu previously played for Bafana Bafana.
Former midfielder Lerato Chabangu previously played for Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns. Image: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images.
Source: Getty Images

Fans are divided about Chabangu’s future

Local football fans expressed divided opinions about Chabangu on social media with some offering support and others saying the former footballer has himself to blame.

Thendo Mabudu made a suggestion:

“Chabangu should stop going forward and backwards, people have been trying to help him, He should be thankful.”

Mbalenhle Tshabalala hopes for the best:

“Good luck chief.”

Mthinteli Jikija is pessimistic:

“It's too late bro, you already blew it.”

Sastri Theolosiphus Mbane said Chabangu needs to help himself:

“First of all he needed love and got it from Gordon. The second time he needed it, he got it from rehab. The third time he must get it from himself.”

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Lerato Chabangu opens up about rehab and recovery journey

Ntxhilo Shan offered support:

“Keep going boi. God has given you a second chance.”

Former PSL star was offered a special gift during his career

As reported by Briefly News, former Kaizer Chiefs star George Lebese said coach Steve Komphela offered him a special gift during his time at Amakhosi.

Lebese said Komphela offered him the keys to a Range Rover if the winger scored a specific goal tally while they were both at Chiefs.

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Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Junior Bester avatar

Junior Bester (Sports Editor) Junior Bester is the current Entertainment (Sports) Writer at Briefly News. He achieved a ND:Journalism at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology in 2012. He worked for Independent Newspapers from 2011 till 2022 covering news, sport, business and entertainment for titles such as Weekend Argus, Cape Argus, Daily Voice and Northern News. Junior passed a set of trainings by Google News Initiative. He joined Briefly News in 2024. You can reach him at junior.bester@briefly.co.za