Former Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana midfielder Kgaogelo Sekgotha, who will be released from rehabilitation any day from today, has broken his silence and asked for forgiveness from his family, supporters and friends.
The 27-year-old was battling substance abuse that nearly derailed his promising football career. He has been at the Hope of Achievers Rehabilitation Centre, situated in Segwashi village, east of Polokwane, for the past four months.
Speaking from the recuperation centre, Sekgotha, who once dazzled fans with his skill on the pitch, admitted that his off-field struggles disappointed those who believed in him.
Sekgotha, whose last club was the Motsepe Foundation Championship side, Upington City in Northern Cape, told Sunday World before he was booked into rehab that he took full responsibility for his past mistakes and hoped to rebuild trust, both personally and professionally.
“I want to sincerely apologise to my supporters, my family and my friends. I let you down when I allowed myself to be consumed by substance abuse. It was the darkest chapter of my life, but I am grateful for the second chance I have been given.”
The Moletji-born midfielder said he underwent an intensive recovery programme, and after months of therapy and support, he has now been declared clean and fit to return to football.
“Football has always been my passion, and I want to honour the game and everyone who stood by me during my struggles,” he added.
Sekgotha concluded that a new chapter was starting for him: “I want to inspire others who might be going through the same struggles. If I can rise again, so can they.”
The rehab owner, Watson Luandi, confirmed his recovery.
“Sekgotha has been working on regaining match fitness and has set his sights on reviving his career. His journey has also sparked conversations about the importance of mental health and support systems in South African football.”
He explained further that Sekgotha’s recovery within a short space of four months, two months before the scheduled six-month programme, is proof that the player was committed to recovery and to revive his career.
“Already there are five clubs that visited the centre to inquire about his progress, and we have no doubt he will soon be back on the field once he has decided on the club he want to join.”
Another former professional player who underwent rehabilitation is Lerato Chabangu, the former Mamelodi Sundowns star, who was discharged from rehab on August 14.
