Sekhukhune United defender Daniel Cardoso opened up about his past struggles with alcohol and shared a message of support to embattled Sipho Mbule.
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The story
At 36 years old Cardoso remains a key figure in the Sekhukhune United backline, serving as their vice-captain in the heart of defence. He has established himself as a reliable and consistent player.
In Mzansi's top flight, the former Kaizer Chiefs centre-back has made 357 appearances across all competitions. During this time, he has scored 17 goals and provided five assists.
Speaking with Peter du Toit on the SoccerBeat podcast, Cardoso revealed how his drinking habit held him back at the start of his career, leading up to his breakthrough at Free State Stars in 2012, aged 23.
"I just couldn't get the breakthrough that I wanted in Jo'burg. I went to all the bigger teams, Wits, I was at Pirates with 'Yebo Yes', I trained with Swallows and Highlands Park.
"I couldn't get the break, also I had a bit of a drinking problem back then, which impacted me breaking into that next phase in my career," shared Cardoso.
"Once coaches hear that you have a drinking problem, it becomes a big issue. Coaches speak, clubs speak… When I moved to a one-horse town, Bethlehem, in the Free State, it was the best move I made.
"If I didn't make the move, I wouldn't be where I am today," shared Cardoso, who made over 60 appearances for "Ea Lla Koto".
Cardoso also spoke about the talented Sipho Mbule, who violated Babina Noko's code of conduct and was iced out of the squad by head coach Eric Tinkler.
Last month, Mbule reportedly turned up to camp ahead of Sekhukhune's 1-0 win over Orlando Pirates, under the influence alongside teammate Katlego Mohamme.
Mbule is said to have been cleared following a similar episode of misconduct while Lehlohonolo Seema was still at the helm, with his second incident resulting in the club ending Mbule's loan from Sundowns two matches early.
Here's what Cardoso had to say in his message to Mbule, revealing that he, along with teammates at Sekhukhune, had spoken to Mbule on several occasions about his behaviour:
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