He had one of the brightest stars as a young footballer. He showed great potential after graduating through the Sundowns Academy and began training with the first team under the direction of Pitso Mosimane. But Former Mamelodi Sundowns and Ts Galaxy midfilder Khayelihle's Shozi's star has dimmed after he was spotted roaming the streets homeless, not having bathed in months, and going through the dustbins looking for food.
A FALLEN STAR
The rising star's life took a turn for the worst in 2022 when he went missing twice from his club. The first time, he was found and given counselling. The second time, after spending weeks looking for him, his family located him and he was admitted to a psychiatric hospital. He received help and his family thought they had dealt with his mental issues. Sundowns committed itself to intervene in his struggles with mental health.
ROAMING THE STREETS
Khayelihle (28) was recently spotted again back in the streets. The family spokesperson Simphiwe Shozi tells ZiMoja that it pains the family to see him in that state. "We have tried our level best to help. We will not give up,' he says. "It breaks our hearts to see him in this state. We are still trying to get him help where we can.'
WISHING HIM WELL
The Pinetown-born star was brought to Sundowns in 2010 by Mabhuti Khenyeza who was playing for the Chloorkop outfit at the time. Khayelihle had an eye for goal and was a talented midfielder. Award-winning football manager and Al Ahli FC head coach Pitso Mosimane has shared his sadness saying he had great potential. "Very sad to see this image. His combination with Percy Tau was amazing. We even promoted him to the Senior Team ahead of Percy,' he says. "He came through the same development program, like Pitso, Keletso, Promise, etc. Cassius (debut in preseason Zambia July 2019).Special talent!'
Simza: I remember watching this boy atKanyamazane stadium Nelspruit, told one of my friends that watch the boy calledKhayelihle Shozi he just told me I only see Teko Modise."
Lapolagang Mpha: "I used to call him Tekowith pace, I liked his combination with Percy Tau via Diski Challenge how I wished u could have paired them in our 1st team."
Solly: "We should accept the results of the decisions we take in life. Not oblivious that some are fortunate than others, but most of our outcome is due to our own makings. We must look into the mirror and take ownership/accountability. May God make it easy for him.'
Howard Mgwaza: "It's so sad but even more sad to me because I know his late father.'
GET HELP
?Know anyone struggling with Depression and Anxiety? Contact the South African Depression and Anxiety Group at +27 80 056 7567 or +27 11 234 4837.
