When the 2015 FIFA U17 World Cup got underway in Chile, Nelson 'Shenko' Maluleke had the world at his feet as captain of South Africa's team – Amajimbos.
Marcelo Allende was captain of the host nation, while Trent Alexander-Arnold, Eder Militao, Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Osimhen, Christian Pulisic and Dayot Upamecano were all being mentioned in the same sentence as Maluleke.
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The SuperSport United teenager had worn the armband ahead of Teboho Mokoena and Sipho Mbule and was captain at the World Cup ahead of Reeve Frosler, Kobamelo Kodisang, Khanyisa Mayo, Keanu Cupido, Sphephelo Sithole, Wiseman Meyiwa and Katlego Mohamme.
Yet fast-forward to 2024, he is now a mine worker in Middelburg, Mpumalanga, while his peers are thriving on the field.
Devastating considering that he is only 26.
"I'm surprised you have come to contact me because I'm now working as a supervisor at a mine after a knee injury ended my career during pre-season at Tuks in 2021," he tells KickOff.com at the end of his 07h00-17h00 shift.
His voice is sparkly despite the tragic nature of what he explains.
"After that injury, which happened just after signing for Tuks, the rehabilitation never went right and so the doctors told me that I will never be able to play football again
"Even now, three years later, I still can't run because the knee can just dislocate, and I now know how to put it back myself while dealing with the pain.
"I last touched a football in 2021, and after that went to do surgery, and even up to this day I don't know if maybe it was a case of the operation not being successful.
"It was after a year that I was told I will never play again and from there, I had a fight with Tuks over money until they paid me to the end of my contract.
"The promise from the club was that they will stand with me until I recover, but they suddenly wanted to pay me three months and terminate.
"After Tuks, I was then engaged in a lengthy insurance case, for which I was paid R172 000 as a parting shot from football in July last year.
"That was the end for me, plus I didn't have any representation.
"My career was over at 23, so you can imagine the strain I went through, especially in trying all forms of solutions, including traditional herbs.
"Tuks could have helped me in a better way, but I then had to pack and come back home and found someone helping me to get into this mining job.
"So far, I have chosen to stay away from the game because I now hate football with all my heart.
"I even hate watching football because it makes me feel like I failed in football.
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"I don't even honour invitations to speak to players in local tournaments because I hate it when people feel pity for me.
"The thought of being captain at the World Cup and ending up working here at the mine is something that I have made peace with.
"I wear my overall and helmet with peace now for my shifts," details Maluleke, who also graduated to the Amajita squad.