Former Kaizer Chiefs star Jabu Mahlangu has opened up about his days of drug and alcohol abuse, and how he is eager to build a rehabilitation centre to help youths against these social ills.
In a continuation of the interview with Fan Park editor Rossella Marrai-Ricco, the 35-year-old spoke about his dark days away from football, and what he is up to nowadays.
"Right now, I am happy that SuperSport United gave me the opportunity to be a brand ambassador for Matsatsantsa. I am also working for the MultiChoice Diski Challenge, I am an ambassador there, and I am also a motivational speaker," revealed Mahlangu.
"I share a lot of my experiences with a lot of up-and-coming young players about alcohol and drugs abuse – I was a victim of it. You know, I am open about my life and I wanted to find ways we can help one another so they can know what the challenges are.
"We never had the opportunity, you know. When I got famous, I was 19-years-old coming from a township and playing for a big team like Kaizer Chiefs. I kind of lost focus there. I had too many friends, I partied too much – everywhere you go, people wanted a piece of you. It was hard."
The midfield maestro went on to reveal a programme he has developed that is close to his heart, and how he hopes that, in five years' time, he would have made headway in helping today's youth.
"I also have a programme called 'YFE' ('Young, Free and Educated'), and in April I am going to be going around the country to universities to try and have dialogues with the first years," he added.
"We know first year students like to party a lot. They have freedom and they are not at home, so it is to try and cap alcohol and drug abuse.
"In five years' time, I can see myself getting funding from other institutions so I can have my own rehab centre in the location. Especially for black people, so they can have easy access to rehabs, because we don't have that. That is my dream.
"My area in Daveyton has a big problem with drugs and the youth from 11 years old to 15 years old. There are big problems with armed robbery – it's crazy! Sometimes they even break into a house while you are there and they rob you and they even kill you.
"I hope, with my programme 'YFE', I can get this sponsorship to build a rehab centre to help these people."
The ex-Orlando Pirates man concluded by adding how blessed he is in his life after overcoming such difficult times.
"I was a victim of drugs while I was playing. It affected my career and it affected my marriage… although I am still married thanks to God, I am very lucky to have a wife who stood by me even when I embarrassed her. I am two years clean and sober now. God has given me the opportunity to be a testimonial to other people, not only footballers."
What an inspiration! What do you make of Jabu's story?
