Former soccer star eating from bins, pics leave fans worried

The family of former Mamelodi Sundowns and Ts Galaxy midfielder Khayelihle’s Shozi’s family say they haven’t given up on the fallen star following viral pictures of him roaming the streets and eating in the dustbins.

According to Zimoja Khayelihle Shozi’s life took a turn for the worst in 2022 when he went missing twice from his then-soccer club Mamelodi Sundowns.

The family’s spokesperson Simphiwe Shozi tells the publication that it’s extremely painful for them to see their son on the streets.

“We have tried our level best to help. We will not give up. It breaks our hearts to see him in this state. We are still trying to get him help where we can,” adds Simphiwe.

It is believed the 28-year-old received counselling the first time he was found and was admitted to a psychiatric hospital by the family the second time he went missing.

His former club, Mamelodi Sundowns also committed itself to intervene in his struggles with mental health at the time. Shozi was brought to Sundowns in 2010 by Mabhuti Khenyeza who was playing for the Chloorkop outfit at the time.

Football manager and Al Ahli FC head coach Pitso Mosimane revealed the fallen star had great potential and was saddened to see him in that state.

Soccer fans took to social media this past week to react to pictures of the fallen footballer Khayelihle Shozi, who was spotted roaming the streets homeless and going through the dustbins looking for food.

“Ntwana bamthakatha straight. I met this guy in Kempton Park. I think it was 2017 or 2018 if I’m not mistaken I asked for a picture. He never had a problem. We even exchanged numbers. On that day we were talking regularly. It’s sad to see him in this situation.

Khayelihle Shozi who previously played for Mamelodi Sundowns MDC team in 2018 and later joined TS Galaxy FC in 2019, He was seen wandering around the streets of Vereeniging yesterday, homeless and appearing to have a mental illness.

-The South African