Chabangu: 'I have destroyed myself, I can't really blame others'

Cape Town - Former Bafana Bafana star Lerato Chabangu says he is still in good condition to play Absa Premiership football at the highest level.

Chabangu made his name with Mamelodi Sundowns earlier in his career before a successful spell with Moroka Swallows from 2011 until 2015.

He also spent time with University of Pretoria, SuperSport United and Chippa United, where he last featured in South Africa's top flight in 2015/16.

Nonetheless, the player admitted he has fallen on hard times but was hopeful of another chance in the game.

He told Robert Marawa on Marawa Sports Worldwide: "You can say I have been hiding from people, I don't even go to stadiums.

"I do feel like I'm depressed. I comfort myself by watching TV. I disappointed lots of people.

"I was found in a wrong space, most of my friends were living in township. I could say that I have destroyed myself, I can't really blame others. If you are at the wrong space, the negative things will catch you.

"This problem that I am having (depression), I know I am not alone. I was hoping to open the Lerato Chabangu Foundation to help (people) where I come from.

"I will be open to help the younger ones that are coming (through). They should not go through what I went through."

The 33-year-old concluded: "Be careful what you do in life, be strong and keep praying, it will help.

"Thanks for the loved ones who have been following and supporting me, I really appreciate that.

"I have never retired. I can play at least one or two years if I get a chance."