‘I played with people who came to training drunk’: ex-SuperSport star Jabu Maluleke

Former Polowane City, Black Leopards and SuperSport United midfielder Jabulani Maluleke has expressed sadness at seeing some former professional players falling on hard times after retirement. 

Maluleke, who is the Under-19 and set-piece coach at SuperSport, said it was disturbing that some of those players struggling to make ends meet earned a lot of money during their playing days. 

“It is sad because the careers of some of our players were messed up by drinking and smoking,” he said.  

“It is sad to see your colleagues not doing well after playing football, it breaks my heart because some of them used to earn a lot of money and were very good. It breaks my heart to see guys not doing well after football.” 

During his professional playing career that spanned almost 18 years, Maluleke said he has seen many players fail to fulfil their potential because of abuse of alcohol. 

“Know where to go, know when and what to do. I don’t think it is a problem for guys to be drinking alcohol, but know your limits. You must know when to drink, you cannot drink on Friday knowing you are going to play on Saturday or Sunday. 

“I don’t drink, but I have played and hung out a lot with people who drink. I have played with people who used to come to training drunk and I have rescued a lot of people calling me at 2am or 3am asking me to come and pick them up. 

“I had to make sure they wake up the next morning and if they don’t wake up I have to cover for them and say they are not feeling well. You must remember I was a captain and sometimes I had to cover for the guys. 

“If you come to training and you are not in a good state, I will come to you or call the whole team and say this guy is messed up today. Let’s cover for him, let him go home or go to the physio room to sleep there. 

“I used to tell the guys not to come to training drunk, rather make an excuse, because some coaches don’t take it and they will chase you away.” 

In the Premier Soccer League (PSL), teams still struggle with ill-disciplined players and Maluleke urged younger players to stay on the straight and narrow. 

“In football you will never know when it is your last contract, so play as if it is your last contract. The opportunity you get, make use of it because anything can happen. 

“You can break your leg or your contract could be terminated at any time. I was fortunate that those things never happened to me. I really took care of myself, looked after my body and you must be spot on with the off-field stuff.” 

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