It has been a tumultuous time for former PSL winger Lerato Chabangu.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns is suffering from alcohol addiction, prompting the 39-year-old to check himself into rehab (for the second time).
Chabangu managed thirty-one appearances for Bafana Bafana, last playing against Nigeria on January 19, 2014. Domestically, he amassed 207 caps in the PSL, which he won with SuperSport United in 2009.
His second and last major trophy was the 2013 MTN 8 Cup with Moroka Swallows. Three years later he retired.
Chabangu speaks
In a sombre, open conversation with FARPost’s Ofhani Munyai, Chabangu opened up about his troubles with addiction and how is recovery is going now, saying, “Have you seen when you are shocked about something and also about changing environments? Not knowing where you are going and what to do
“There were a lot of faces and things that I had to face. So there was pressure for me. The day that I came here, the lady that I was dating passed away. She was buried on that very same Saturday morning [I came here]. So a lot was going on that day. I also did not know what was going on. I was miserable.
“So I lost a bit of weight because I was not okay. Someone came up with an idea to say let me take him to get help. So I have been taking it day by day, seeing what is happening. But I can see the change; that’s why I believe I needed this because there are changes,” the PSL champion added.
“Day-by-day, the spirit goes high every time. So I will see when I come out of here what to do. But I appreciate the support and encouragement by people following me wherever I go. They must keep it up and it’s not only me. There are others as well. So they must keep it up , encouraging and supporting them. Without them, we are nothing”.
What is your favourite Chabangu-PSL moment?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
