A former PSL goalkeeper has called time on football to focus on his music career, writes Tshifhiwa Luvhengo.
The 30-year-old Bongani Manavhela, who played for Polokwane City and Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila, hung up his gloves after failing to get a team this season to focus his attention on his gospel singing career.
Last season, the Venda-born goalie had a stint with Eswatini-based Mbambane Highlanders, coached by Solly Luvhengo.
Manavhela opted not to return to Mbabane as he was hoping to win a contract with the PSL team in South Africa.
However, that did not happen despite being invited to train with Motsepe Foundations Championship teams like Black Leopards and Venda FC.
PSL GOALIE Retires to Pursue Music Career
“I love football, but sometimes when things are not happening, you have to take another direction which will put food on the table,” revealed Manavhela to FARPost.
“I’m lucky because God gave me two talents, one for playing football and the other for singing. I am Christian, and I sing all the time at church.
“It is time I focus on my music career for now. I have released a gospel album, and we will be doing a live DVD and CD in December.
“So now my focus is to prepare for that coming music event as I did not get a team. Maybe I will be back in football after this event, but it depends on how people respond to my music career.”
Manavhela has had stints with JDR Stars FC, TS Sporting and Mbombela United in his seven-year professional football career.
Early this year, Manavhela almost lost his life when he was hijacked at gunpoint, injured in Roodepoort, and spent four days in hospital.
On his stay at Eswatini, Mavhela said: “I had a good experience, and I enjoyed my time. It is a beautiful country, and people are welcoming.
“But financially, it is not like in South Africa. Maybe one day I will go back. But now it’s about my singing career.”
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