Why football ‘injustices’ made Siphelele Mthembu consider quitting
Veteran PSL striker Siphelele Mthembu has revealed how the ‘ill-treatment’ of players once led to him quitting football.
The former Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs striker recently turned 37. Mthembu was recently signed by Motsepe Foundation Championship side Baroka FC ahead of the new season.
He has also featured for clubs such as Golden Arrows, Platinum Stars, Free State Stars, Cape Town City and AmaZulu FC. He says that over the years, the ill-treatment of players nearly led to his quitting the sport.
“I am not a person who cries too much, but there is injustice [in football],” he told FARPost. “There are a lot of things that, if I tell you, will shock you. That could also have made me give up on football.
“But because through God and believing that God is in charge of my life, I overcome things.
VETERAN STRIKER OPENS UP ON WHAT HE SAYS ARE FOOTBALL INJUSTICES
“I never had an agent, but when I look at the treatment of some of the teams in the local league, beyond that, it was these up-and-coming youngsters, it was painful to watch,” he explained.
SIPHELELE MTHEMBU PAINED BY THE ILL-TREATMENT OF YOUNG PLAYERS IN LOCAL FOOTBALL
“As a result, I just wanted to sit and maybe help from behind. Because a guy would have talent but the team would treat him like he is nothing. You find a player who doesn’t have accommodation or a parent, but he is talented, and you still tell him that they are not developing or helping.
“It pains me most of the time, but then I was like, let me go work so that these youngsters can see that you still move mountains and whatever age you are in,” he said.
“That’s what made me stay a little bit because even my family and other coaches were saying I could still go further than [Siyabonga] Nomvethe, but I don’t want to do that. I still have to work in the background and help these youngsters.”
Mthembu is expected to lead the frontline when Baroka FC hosts Orbit College FC in Lebowakgomo on Sunday as the new 2024/25 Motsepe Foundation Championship season starts.
RELATED STORY: Siphelele Mthembu resurfaces at new club in PSL