Ex-Chiefs midfielder leaves rehab after beating substance abuse

Former Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana midfielder Kgaogelo Sekgota has vowed to repair his life after being released from rehabilitation centre following a battle with substance abuse.

Sekgota was released from Hope of Achievers Rehabilitation Centre, situated in Segwashi village, east of Polokwane this week after spending four months at the facility, having hit a low following his battle with drugs and alcohol.

The ex-Chiefs star, whose last club was Upington City in Northern Cape, has asked for forgiveness from his family and friends, admitting he let them down but is determined to get back to his brilliant best.

What has Sekgota said about his recovery?

“I want to sincerely apologise to my supporters, my family and my friends. I let you down when I allowed myself to be consumed by substance abuse. It was the darkest chapter of my life, but I am grateful for the second chance I have been given,” Sekgota told Sunday World.

The former Bafana Bafana star confirmed that he had an intensive recovery programme, which included therapy and support, before he was given the greenlight to return home.

“Football has always been my passion, and I want to honour the game and everyone who stood by me during my struggles,” he added, expressing a desire to return to the game. “I want to inspire others who might be going through the same struggles. If I can rise again, so can they.”

Ex-Chiefs star backed to regain lost glory

Watson Luandi, owner of the Hope of Achievers Rehabilitation Centre, had high praise for Sekgota, saying his recovery took a shorter period and that he has been getting back to his best football wise.

“Sekgota has been working on regaining match fitness and has set his sights on reviving his career. His journey has also sparked conversations about the importance of mental health and support systems in South African football,” said Luandi.

“Already there are five clubs that visited the centre to inquire about his progress, and we have no doubt he will soon be back on the field once he has decided on the club he wants to join.”

Sekgota, capped four times by Bafana Bafana, made 48 appearances for Chiefs between 2021 and 2023 before moving to Stellenbosch FC for the 2023-24 season, where he managed 17 games, before his switch to lower league sides.