A life of regrets: ex-Celtic striker reveals how his career went astray because of drugs
In a devastating revelation, lesson to players, ex-Bloemfontein Celtic striker Rodrick Mutuma revealed how drug abuse led his career astray.
Rodrick Mutuma spent one season and a half in the books of Bloemfontein Celtic, then in the Betway Premiership.
The 36-year-old arrived at Celtic in January 2013 at a time he had just set the stage alight in Zimbabwe’s PSL as a Dynamos striker. However, it was not to be in the PSL, as he fell far short of expectations during his stint at ‘Phunya Sele Sele’.
The self-styled ‘Prince’ of Zimbabwean football only scored two goals in as little as 14 appearances during his stay at the club.
And what was once a promising career, started fading into oblivion, forcing him to trace his footsteps back to Dynamos in April 2014. He went on to play for Caps United FC, Highlanders FC, the now-defunct Nichrut FC and FC Lupopo of DRC.
Mutuma himself admits he never reached his full potential because of bad decisions, mainly drugs and substance abuse.
Reflecting on his roller coaster of a career, Mutuma was close to tears as he narrated how his career took a nosedive due to drug and substance abuse.
FORMER BLOEMFONTEIN CELTIC STRIKER REVEALS HIS STRUGGLE WITH DRUGS
He revealed his ordeal during an episode of Zim Soccernet’s In Touch With A Legend hosted by former Mamelodi Sundowns forward Alois Bunjira.
“Drugs will not take you anywhere; I am the best example to use when you talk about them. I blame no one but myself for what happened with my career. You know I was a good player, but some of the things I took affected me badly,” he said.
“It’s very sad that sometimes supporters expect 100 per cent effort from you even when things are not well for you in the background. Players need help.
“The stress, instability and that sometimes you’ll leave home knowing there is no food. I was owed by my club [Dynamos], and it was tough because of a lot of personal issues. So when you push and shove each other in the field, no one knows your real frustrations. I took these things, not knowing how they would affect me in the future.
“And to be honest, they [drugs] make you feel better for a moment. They give you some sort of satisfaction at that moment, but honestly, it will not be good for the future.
“So some young players may see you in that state and think that they [drugs] help one to be good when playing. But that’s not it; they will get you nowhere.
“Like I said, I am the best example to use when you talk about them. They will make you lose your proper ways. Stay sober. It’s not right; what will the children learn.”
MUTUMA’S OPEN ADMISSION ABOUT FAILING IN THE PSL
Mutuma made an open admission about his failure to meet expectations during his time in the Betway Premiership.
“When I came to South Africa, nothing really made sense in the field of play. I got the chance to play in one of the finest leagues, but I failed.
“Maybe football in South Africa was different from what I was used to. I spent one season and a half at Celtic, but I did not perform to the best of my abilities,” Mutuma added.
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