Ex-PSL winger reveals mental struggles after consecutive relegations
Former Polokwane City FC winger Sibusiso Hlubi has opened up on what he says took its toll on him mentally after two consecutive relegations.
Hlubi is now in the books of SAFA ABC Motsepe League side NC Professionals.
His stint in the PSL came to an end after he was released by Sekhukhune United in 2022. Before that, the 28-year-old played for clubs such as Maritzburg United, Polokwane City and now-defunct Free State Stars.
He was relegated with Free State Stars in 2019 and the following season at Polokwane City. He tells FARPost how the misfortunes affected his confidence and how it became difficult to find a team afterwards. But at the same time, I had to grow from the experience.
WHY THE RELEGATION ‘CURSE’ MADE SIBUSISO HLUBI TO BE A BETTER PLAYER
“It made me stronger because I knew that there is no one that wants to sign a relegated player,” he told FARPost.
“But it was an opportunity to prove myself more and put in more effort. So, for me, it helped me.
“Even though I did bad things and the team got relegated at Free State Stars, I got a free-kick in the last minute against Sundowns, and I put it over the bar. So such things hurt me and make me a great player after all,” he said.
FORMER POLOKWANE CITY AND SEKHUKHUNE FC WINGER ADMITS HE HAD A TOUGH TIME
“It was not a nice feeling because I am also human. Every time when you go out people would be talking. For me, I can accept it, but my family is not used to it. You get sworn at or get booed. But you just have to be strong.”
Hlubi has also played for clubs such as Cape Town All Stars as well as Mthatha Bucks.
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