Jabu “Shuffle” Mahlangu, a retired player and one of South Africa’s most controversial figures, has offered troubled Premier Soccer League player Sipho “Master Chef” Mbule some brotherly advice.
There are many similarities and parallels between Mahlangu’s and Mbule’s careers.
Known as ngwana wa tshwenya (problem child), Mahlangu was well-known for disappearing before important games.
His fast-lane lifestyle and drinking habits were well-documented. Now that he is older, he appears to have changed his ways.
Due to his lack of discipline, Mbule is about to be expelled from Sekhukhune United.
Misbehaviour and ill-discipline
According to reports, he was intoxicated when he showed up for one of the club’s practices. This occurred on the eve of the Orlando Pirates game.
It was not the player’s first offence in a career marred by misbehaviour, ill-discipline, and waywardness.
The gifted playmaker is still on the books of Betway Premiership winners Mamelodi Sundowns, but he is currently on loan at Sekhukhune.
Sekhukhune are finalising his move to send the player back to Sundowns. Previously at Sundowns, Mbule faced a disciplinary hearing along with Andile Jali for allegedly reporting to work intoxicated.
Mahlangu, who was affectionately known as Shuffle during his playing days, was speaking with Sibusiso “Sense of Knowledge” Mahlangu, his co-host on their podcast, Diski Shandis.
Girls like the car you drive
“I want to talk to the current players about these problems, and Sipho in particular because he’s a good kid,” said Mahlangu.
“I worked with him when I was still at SuperSport United and even spoke directly to him. It was not the first time that I spoke to him.”
He continued: “At Supersport, I would pull him on the side and say, ‘take it easy and slow down, my guy.’
“These players earn a significant amount of money; I received a decent salary and lived a flashy lifestyle, which included luxurious townhouses and fancy cars.
“If I had maintained discipline, I could have earned more money.”
“I’ll tell Sipho for free that girls don’t like you, my friend; they only like the club jersey you’re wearing, the car you drive, and your personality because you’re famous.
“One thing, though: they will abandon you.”
Careful of company you keep
Additionally, Mahlangu cautioned Mbule to be mindful of his friends and the people he spends time with.
He said: “Your childhood friends, not strangers, are envious of your success. I am referring to the friends you invited to your townhouse and who stayed overnight at your place.
“Those who performed the dirty jobs, such as buying alcohol and arranging girls for you, do not love you; they are destroying your career.”
“I am not saying I’m perfect, but I will tell them in their faces that they are bad, and they are destroying and not building your career.”
Mahlangu continued: “I had a lot of friends who were very bad. I don’t blame my friends, nor do I wish that I had never met them or that I had never done drugs with them.
“I accepted responsibility, and I understand that having a lot of money and fame presents additional difficulties that we cannot ignore.”
Sangomas and witchcraft
He added that there is a lot of stress associated with that lifestyle, and people on the outside seem to enjoy it.
“To make you love them more than other friends, people you grew up with can go to sangomas [witchdoctors].
“The many girlfriends that you sleep with can also go to sangomas and bewitch you. It’s just a lot,” he added.
