The owner of Hope of Achievers Rehabilitation Centre in Limpopo, Watson Luandi, has issued positive feedback on the recovery progress of former Mamelodi Sundowns star Lerato Chabangu.
Chabangu checked in at the centre situated at Ga-Molapo, outside Polokwane, on 8 February 2025.
It is said the 39-year-old was dealing with substance abuse. He was recommended by chairman of the NKRL foundation, Ronny Noko Losodi.
Chabangu had a successful career on the field, playing for Sundowns, SuperSport United, Moroka Swallows and Chippa United. He also played for Bafana Bafana from 2005 until 2014.
But things took a different turn after his playing days. Chabangu has openly spoken about poor decisions that led to his financial downfall. He once admitted during a reality TV Show, ‘I Blew It,’ how he had given up on life.
LERATO CHABANGU ON THE WAY TO RECOVERY AFTER SEEKING PROFESSIONAL HELP
“Lerato is progressing very well. He is responding well to the programme. He has already started to help other patients as well,” Luandi told FARPost.
“So he is responding very well given the way he interacts with the professionals that are busy helping him. There is a lot of progress in Lerato Chabangu.”
WHY IT’S IMPORTANT FOR FOOTBALL PERSONALITIES TO SEEK HELP AT REHABILITATION CENTRES
Luandi says there is a need for players or former players dealing with similar problems to seek help.
“This is needed in our football players because these guys are exposed to a lot of money. Remember the money that they are exposed to, some of them just come without being planned for,” he said.
“So they start indulging into drugs or alcohol. So once they are addicted to drugs and alcohol, it’s very easy for them to be rehabilitated because at rehabilitation, we don’t just concentrate on them leaving the drug. We also teach them discipline, self-control and self-management. There is also a programme that specifically deals with their mind.”
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