Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Thabo Cele has launched a programme to support men struggling with drug addiction during the off-season.
The initiative, called My Brother’s Keeper, focuses on listening to those affected by addiction and exploring effective solutions to assist them.
Cele returned to South Africa after a decade in Europe, during which he played in Portugal, Poland, and Russia.
He spent the latter half of the season with Betway Premiership giants Amakhosi, enhancing their midfield quality. Now, during the off-season, the KwaMashu-born star has chosen to dedicate his efforts to supporting his community.
“Being away, I couldn’t do much. Last December, while I was home, I realised I didn’t like what was happening in my community,” Cele told FARPost. “More and more boys were falling into drugs, and I’d look at some of them and say ‘you played football and now you’re doing drugs…’
“We started engaging with the gents and recorded some of the sessions. We didn’t post. With time, ideas came on how we could send the message across to try and help the gents. I thought, let’s sit and speak to each other. The project is about trying to help the community.”
HOW THABO CELE’S INITIATIVE HAS BEEN RECEIVED
“These are gents I grew up with, so it’s natural conversations that we have. I appreciate their energy and how they opened up.”
The Amakhosi midfielder clarified the origin of the phrase My Brother’s Keeper, which comes from the Bible. This phrase refers to the responsibility individuals have for the well-being of others, especially those close to them. It originates from the story of Cain and Abel in the book of Genesis, where God asks Cain, ‘Where is your brother Abel?’ to which Cain responds, ‘Am I my brother’s keeper?’
The phrase suggests a moral obligation to care for, protect, and support our fellow human beings, especially those with whom we have a close bond.
“We need each other as brothers,” Cele explained. “Society needs proper men. Every man has to ask themselves, ‘Am I my brother’s keeper?’
“I am making it my mission to find someone who can come and help us. I have my own idea – maybe someone who has a farm, takes them to work, and they are placed in a rehabilitation facility. There are many things we can do. Those chats are important as a starting point.”
Cele is thankful that football has provided him an escape from the social ills affecting his childhood friends, such as alcohol and drug abuse. In 2023, Cele initiated a project aimed at supporting the community by helping young individuals.
He visited his former school, Mukelani Primary School, to share some positive messages with the learners.
In addition, Cele, in partnership with Orlando Pirates midfielder Thalente Mbatha, will host a three-day tournament in KwaMashu over the upcoming weekend. It kicks-off on Saturday and will run until Monday.
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