Sundowns willing to assist struggling Shozi after being found

In the latest news, Shozi’s brother Simphiwe has confirmed that Khayelihle has finally been found after he went missing towards the end of last year.

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Numerous rumours have swirled around what could have led Shozi astray, with talk ranging from “witchcraft” to “mental health issues” to a “emotional breakdown” after he was sent off in his last appearance for JDR Stars against Cape Town All Stars on 18 September 2021.

According to a Phakaaathi source, Sundowns are willing to provide help to Shozi, who graduated through the academy at Sundowns and began training with the first team under the direction of Pitso Mosimane and his technical team during the 2015/16 seaso

“Everyone is hurt by what happened to that boy, it’s just unthinkable and unexpected. No one can really explain what happened to him. We spoke to the family, and they also don’t know what happened. They are as shocked as we are because their son was doing very well and his future was bright, it’s very sad. But, the club is going to help. Everyone is touched because they know him from his early days when he had a very bright future. There was a lot of potential and now it’s a pity he is going through that mental state,” said the source.

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While stating his relief and gratitude that Shozi was found, Simphiwe has also hit out at the double standards of others.

“I have got the boy and now we are trying to get him back home,” Simphiwe told MTN FC. “We did a lot of searching and finally he was located and is with us now. I would like to take the opportunity to thank God for protecting me all the way from day one.

“But to all South African soccer players, this is a wake-up call. They must be aware about clubs and agents … they don’t care about them, they only want them when it is time to negotiate their transfers and salaries.

“What we need now is to get him help, but we do not have the means to do this. I am appealing to anybody in South Africa who can assist with getting Khayelihle the help he needs. As a family we are trying to get him home and then we will take it from there. But we are just relieved that he has been found.”

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Meanwhile, coach Sudesh Singh, who recruited Shozi to the Sundowns development system, was glad to hear Shozi was alive.

“I brought him to Sundowns and he was an exceptional talent,” said Sudesh.

“I hope football people/clubs don’t let him down, we can’t disappoint these kinds of unique talents. We also need deeper thinking actions into the mental health of our players, especially at youth academy levels.”

Different reasons have been suggested as to why Shozi went missing

“Some have suggested witchcraft as the reason for what happened because apparently he had a run-in with a teammate and they threatened each other. But I believe the issue has to do with depression brought on by the lack of progress in his career. You must remember that at some point he was tipped to be the next Teko Modise but things never really worked out for him the way it was expected,” said one “informed” source. 

Shozi’s agent Sifiso Zwane suggested things went awry after he was meant to appear at a disciplinary hearing after being sent off in the game against Cape Town All Stars.

“He punched a player off the ball and it was not even 30 minutes before the game started,” said agent Sifiso Zwane, who is close to Shozi.

“That’s where things started to go bad for him. From there he just went AWOL. He was called to the DC and did not appear because no one could locate him.”