10 PSL Players Who Lost Their Millions & Ended Up Broke: Destroyed by drugs and alcohol. Some lost everything, their houses, cars, and wives.
South African football has produced some of the country’s brightest sporting stars, many of whom have earned substantial amounts of money during their careers in the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
However, not all of them have been able to manage their wealth responsibly.
In some cases, lavish lifestyles, poor financial decisions, and a lack of planning for life after football have led these players to squander their millions and end up broke.
Here are 10 PSL players who, despite once enjoying a fortune, have found themselves struggling financially.
Teko Modise
Teko Modise, one of the most talented and well-known midfielders in PSL history, earned millions throughout his career.
However, his financial troubles have been widely reported, with Modise admitting that he made poor financial decisions, including spending on extravagant luxuries.
Despite his success on the field, the lack of financial discipline has led to him experiencing financial difficulties in the later stages of his career.
Benni McCarthy
Benni McCarthy is arguably one of South Africa’s most successful footballers, having played in top European leagues and enjoyed a lucrative career.
However, reports suggest that McCarthy’s spending habits and poor investments have contributed to him losing a large portion of his wealth.
Despite his success on the pitch, McCarthy has struggled financially, highlighting the importance of managing money wisely in professional sports.
Jabu Mahlangu
Jabu Mahlangu was known for his incredible talent and flair on the field, but his personal life was marked by controversies, including poor financial decisions.
Mahlangu’s career suffered due to his off-field issues, including his struggles with addiction, and he lost much of his wealth in bad investments and living a lavish lifestyle.
Despite once being one of the PSL’s most promising players, Mahlangu found himself broke after retirement.
Siyabonga Nomvethe
Siyabonga Nomvethe, one of the PSL’s most respected and long-serving players, enjoyed a lucrative career that spanned decades.
However, it is reported that Nomvethe’s financial situation deteriorated after his playing days due to a combination of bad investments and not properly managing his finances.
Despite his impressive footballing career, he found himself in a difficult financial position post-retirement.
Teboho Mokoena
Teboho Mokoena, a midfielder who played for Supersport United, was once one of the highest-paid players in the PSL.
However, after being linked with significant financial losses and unsuccessful business ventures, Mokoena’s fortunes took a turn for the worse.
His story serves as a cautionary tale for young players, demonstrating how quickly money can slip away without proper management.
Former Orlando Pirates Players (Thulasizwe Mbuyane & Happy Jele)
While both Thulasizwe Mbuyane and Happy Jele were key players at Orlando Pirates, reports have suggested that their post-football financial decisions weren’t always wise.
Mbuyane reportedly faced financial difficulties after retiring, having made poor investments and spending excessively during his playing days.
Jele’s story is less clear, but he too has faced financial struggles after the end of his career, underscoring the challenge of life after football.
Lerato Chabangu
Lerato Chabangu was once a star for Moroka Swallows and other PSL clubs, but he eventually fell victim to financial mismanagement.
Known for his flashy lifestyle during his playing days, Chabangu’s financial situation spiraled downward as he failed to manage his earnings.
In recent years, Chabangu has been open about his struggles with money and the consequences of poor financial planning.
Thandani Ntshumayelo
Thandani Ntshumayelo, a midfielder who played for Orlando Pirates, experienced a rapid fall from grace after he was banned from football for testing positive for a banned substance.
His wealth quickly diminished after the suspension, and he made headlines for his financial struggles.
Ntshumayelo’s story serves as a stark reminder of the financial instability that can come from poor decisions both on and off the field.
Sibusiso Zuma
Sibusiso Zuma, an iconic player for both the national team and clubs like SuperSport United, is another footballer who saw his wealth dwindle after retirement.
Reports have suggested that Zuma struggled with maintaining a lavish lifestyle and poor financial decisions.
Despite his successful football career, he eventually ended up in financial distress, reminding athletes of the need to plan for life after football.
Lessons Learned from Their Struggles
The stories of these players highlight the importance of financial literacy and management in professional sports.
Despite earning substantial amounts of money, many of these players failed to plan for life after football, leading to their financial downfall.
Their experiences serve as a cautionary tale for current and future athletes, illustrating that wealth can easily slip away if it is not properly managed.