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Ex-PSL talent ventures into grassroots coaching

Cape Town - Former highly-rated Premiership talent Junaid Hartley is reportedly moving into grassroots coaching after overcoming a drug addiction.

According to the Sunday World, the 39-year-old now coaches junior football at the Education Through Soccer Academy (ETSA) in Ruimsig, Johannesburg.

Hartley, who has struggled with his addiction to crystal meth since hanging up his boots in 2007, is now said to be 10 months sober.

The ex-Bafana Bafana international explained that coaching football is a way of giving back to the community following years of abuse which hurt him and those around him.

"It has been a process but I've been fortunate to have the guidance from the coaches at the academy," the Capetonian said.

"Being here and being involved in coaching has helped me in terms of my overall well being. I had to go through what I went through to finally appreciate the simpler things in life. 

"I pray that I don't fall off. I have hope that I will come out on top. To everyone that I have offended while in that state, all I ask is for their forgiveness."

During his playing days, Harley turned out for the likes of Vitoria Setubal in Portugal, Lens of France as well as Seven Stars, Orlando Pirates, Moroka Swallows, Ajax Cape Town and Maritzburg United, before ending his career with Sarawak in Malaysia.

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