He has no regrets about his life choices. Former Bafana Bafana footballer Lungisani Ndlela (43) hung up his boots many years ago to pursue a career as a correctonal officer at the Department of Correctional Services. 

A WARDER

The 2-meter-tall striker started his career by playing for youth teams; Sporting Spades, Real Rangers, and Maritzburg City and later joined SuperSport, Mamelodi Sundowns and became the Bafanna Bafana centre-forward between 2001 and 2005. Lungisani has since left football to join the Department of Correctional Services in Emalahleni, Mpumalanga. His close friends who spoke to ZiMoja says he is happy and has no regrets. "He did what he felt was right for him and his family at the time."

RETIREMENT

The Frankfort Free State-born star is said to have made the decision to leave football when he felt the money he was earning was not enough to take care of his family. "He was getting something ridiculous like R2 000 then R3 500 and that was not enough to cover his living expenses and take care of his family," the friend says. "Eventually when he was signed, he received R20 0000 to fix his home. His career grew and he earned more, but he felt it was still not enough. He was hard working and focused and responsible with money." The close friend says that Lungisani knew he could not be on the pitch forever. "He chose to retire to take care of his family. He never suffered or fell on hard times like many stars who leave to find work and pursue other careers," the friend adds. Still passionate about the game of football, Lungisani contributes to the sport whenever he can. "He does do talks when he is called or help out in the community when he can." Lungisani could not be reached for a comment.