Lerato Chabangu was once a celebrated figure, both on and off the football field. With a successful career playing for Bafana Bafana, Mamelodi Sundowns, SuperSport United, and Moroka Swallows, he seemed to have it all. However, today the former star midfielder finds himself living a drastically different life - one of financial ruin, dashed dreams, and personal loss.
In an exclusive interview with Sowetan, Chabangu reveals the haunting reality of his situation. "I blew all my money on useless things because I was always guaranteed a salary the following month," he confesses. "I used to afford expensive cars and indulge in alcohol without a second thought. And women - they were always there, but my main vice was booze."
Chabangu explains how his daily routine revolved around training, which would end by 11am, leaving him with ample free time. This inevitably led to regular visits to Shisanyama, where he would drink and socialize with friends. What started as a harmless pastime quickly spiraled into a destructive habit.
As a result of his financial mismanagement, Chabangu's life has completely unraveled. He has lost everything - his income, his home, and even his car. Forced to move in with his grandmother in the town of Tembisa, he candidly admits to the devastating impact his choices have had on his personal life. "I separated from my wife due to financial issues, and I am no longer able to see my daughter because she lives with her mother," he laments. "I have made countless mistakes, and I now believe I have learned my lessons."
But Chabangu's story does not end there. In another gut-wrenching revelation, the fallen star discusses the aftermath of his retirement. "There are a lot of things that I have lost," he admits. "I bought my mom a house, and I have lost it. I have lost everything." Stripped of his possessions, he finds himself without basic necessities, like clothes and soccer boots.
To make matters worse, Chabangu has become the subject of ridicule in his community. Once a name associated with success, he now bears the burden of being a laughingstock. "The Chabangu name was once revered, but now it is synonymous with failure. It is a painful reality that I have had to accept," he painfully acknowledges.
Despite these setbacks, Chabangu remains resilient. He acknowledges the challenges he faces and has learned valuable lessons from his mistakes. "Life goes on, no matter how difficult it may be," he mused. With no steady income, he is now hustling to make ends meet, determined to overcome the adversity that he currently faces. Despite it all, he expresses gratitude for still being alive and cherishes the few trophies that serve as reminders of his past glory.
The fall from grace experienced by Lerato Chabangu is a cautionary tale, a stark reminder of the perils of excess and mismanagement. It serves as a sobering reminder that fame and fortune can be fleeting, but also highlights the resilience and determination that can emerge from the depths of despair. As Chabangu continues to navigate through troubled waters, his story serves as a reminder to us all that it is never too late to turn one's life around.
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