Former Kaizer Chiefs hitman Leonardo Castro has lifted the lid on how big of a problem alcohol was at the club and in South African football in general.
Castro was recently a victim of a mass exodus at the Soweto giants as he was shown the exit door along with the likes of Bernard Parker, Cardoso, Lebogang Manyama, and Ramahlwe Mphahlele as Amakhosi continue to revamp their squad and build for the future.
The Colombian striker has echoed Daniel Cardoso's claims that one of the reasons Chiefs struggle to reclaim the glory days is due to players' dereliction of duty, stating that alcohol is a big issue in SA football.
Castro, 33, departed the club after five years, having joined the Soweto side from Mamelodi Sundowns.
"You cannot hide that South African players like partying and alcohol. It is sad what is happening because alcohol is a problem. Most of these things happen because of the influence of alcohol or any other substances most of the time. People like their drugs or whatever," Castro told Soccer Laduma in this week's edition.
"The problem [with alcohol] is disrespecting your teammates, disrespecting the technical staff and everyone at the club. For me, that shows disrespect, and if it is a young player and it happens once, then I can come to him and say, "Look, it is not the right time, and it is not right to come into training like this."
Castro also said he started experiencing alcohol-related problems with his teammates when he arrived in SA several years ago.
"Each and every club has a problem like this. Some players listened, but some didn't. I say it to you when you are wrong, not behind you," added Castro without mentioning any names.
In this week's edition of Soccer Laduma, Castro also opens up on:
- His time at the Soweto giants
- Alcohol problem at Amakhosi and SA
- How he handled his departure from the club
- Message to the Chiefs supporters
- Working with coach Arthur Zwane
Get the latest edition of Soccer Laduma, edition 1280, available in stores online now!
