Retired goalkeeper Avril 'Tshawe' Phali has disclosed how he had to leave Orlando Pirates and return to Jomo Cosmos to sinking into alcohol and drug abuse.
Phali – who is now 45 – spent a season (2006/07) at Pirates after having been selected as one of three keepers that went to the disastrous 2006 AFCON finals.
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At Pirates, Phali made all his 15 appearances through under Milutin Sredojevic before his fortunes went south when Bibey Mutombo took over.
"If it wasn't for Bibey Mutombo (late), I would have stayed at Pirates for all the three years that I had signed for," Phali tells KickOff.
"Unfortunately, Mutombo made me really feel that I was unwanted at Pirates.
"His actions spoke louder than words so that was the reason why I then returned to Cosmos.
"If I had stayed at Pirates then I was going to drink alcohol and do drugs because of mental stress caused by what was happening at the club.
"Luckily, I managed to leave and never fell into doing those things.
"Bibey never used to acknowledge my efforts but when it was Francis Chansa he would clap hands, and this was the time when we didn't have a goalkeeper coach after Williams Okpara left.
"At training, Chansa was always told how good he is whenever he made a save while if I did the same Mutombo would just ignore it.
"Mutombo would also relay instructions in French to Chansa who would then have to pass on the message to me and Senzo Meyiwa (late).
"It felt like we were now taking instructions from another keeper that we were competing with.
"My frustrations were boiling at that time because I could see that the coach just didn't care about me.
"It is true that psychologists are needed in football because of all that happens inside football.
"Football looks nice from outside but is ugly inside, so you must be mentally strong through the challenges that you will meet along the way which includes being abused by fans.
"With some of us it was worse because we played professional football while using public transport so you can imagine sitting in the taxi with a fan and he decides to tell you whatever he wants.
"I spent three years without car while playing in the PSL because I was only earning R3800, and I had to support everyone with that money.
"My dad – who stopped working in 1980 – passed away in 1993, and I had to look out for my siblings and family when I started making an income.
"With me, I played for Cosmos for most of my career and you know that at Cosmos there were always issues related to signing on fees.
"I got my first proper signing on fee at Pirates which was paid in full unlike at Cosmos where you would get it in dribs and drabs.
"It was my first time to get a lumpsum and I took all that money and put it towards extending the house at home here in the Vaal where I have always stayed.
"Despite all that happened at Pirates, I'm grateful that they paid me well," says Phali.
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