Seasoned PSL midfielder Xola Mlambo has spoken openly about the challenges unemployed footballers face in South Africa.
Mlambo has been without a club after parting ways with TS Galaxy prematurely at the beginning of the current campaign. He had linked with the Rockets ahead of the 2022/23 season as a free agent after he was released by AmaZulu FC.
During his time at Galaxy, the 32-year-old made 25 appearances in all competitions and found the back of the net once.
Previously, the midfielder had stints with Chippa United, now-defunct Bidvest Wits and Orlando Pirates.
Mlambo says it’s very difficult to be without a club, bearing in mind that he hasn’t retired.
XOLA MLAMBO OPENS UP ON BEING UNEMPLOYED
He further stated that strong support is important for one who is in this unfortunate situation so that the mental health stays intact.
“To be honest, it’s not an easy one when you’re used to getting a salary every month despite whatever you do on the side, and now you’re not,” Mlambo told FARPost.
“It’s very important to ensure your mental health is intact, and it becomes easier if you have support. It’s difficult if you’re a breadwinner and you’re in a situation like this. I’m not only speaking financially, but I’m also speaking emotionally.
“It [unemployment] does have an impact and its effects. But when you have good people around you, encouraging you to be in a better state it becomes easier.
Mlambo further revealed that without support, some people may end up doing wrong things and find themselves in difficult situations.
“Being unemployed takes a huge toll; people can have depression and fall to drug and alcohol abuse. I just hope if there is a person who is through what I’m going through, they should get proper support. They can’t find themselves in situations they can’t take themselves out of,” he added.
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