Pirates legend Mahlangu urges players to guard against alleged ‘muti’ sabotage

Albert ‘Bashin’ Mahlangu, one of Orlando Pirates’ most celebrated former players, has advised footballers not to be embarrassed about protecting themselves from teammates he claims may use muti to undermine their careers.

Muti is a traditional substance or practice that is sometimes associated with supernatural beliefs in South African football. Mahlangu says players and supporters should not dismiss the possibility of behind-the-scenes incidents affecting performances and injuries in the Premier Soccer League (PSL).

The former Buccaneers midfielder has been watching players produce strong displays at smaller clubs before struggling after moving to bigger sides. In his view, some of those players may be affected by muti allegedly used by teammates seeking to harm them.

“Don’t be fooled by people making noise, it’s tough on the pitch. I played for Pirates, and it wasn’t easy,” says the man who answered to the nickname ‘Ayashis’ Amateki’, sharing his thoughts with KickOff.

Mahlangu cited several Orlando Pirates players as examples of footballers whose fortunes appeared to change unexpectedly.

“For example, at Pirates, where is Andre Jong? Where is Kabelo Dlamini? We had Tshegofatso Mabasa, who was doing so well scoring goals for us, but all of a sudden he fell out of favour with the coaches. Evidence Makgopa too, a player I knew very well, that he would always score if introduced in the second half, but he has disappeared.

“Yanela Mbuthuma was brought in from Richards Bay, scoring goals from left, right, and centre. He got there at Pirates, he scored and scored… all of a sudden, he has stopped scoring.

“Surely, there is something happening with these boys.”

He said traditional practices should be used positively, rather than to damage another player or weaken a team.

“If you and I are teammates, you must use muti the right way. Use it to improve yourself and help the team win, not to destroy me. If I am destroyed, how are we supposed to play? You need 11 players on the pitch to form a team.

“Kaizer Chiefs have five left-backs on the injury list. How is that possible?,” he adds.

Mahlangu also pointed to recent injury concerns involving Orlando Pirates players Tapelo Xoki and Sihle Nduli.

“When was the last time Tapelo Xoki played a match? Sihle Nduli had just returned from injury, but suddenly he’s injured again.”

He believes supporters would be shocked if they knew more about the difficulties players face away from match days.

“It’s not easy in these teams. People scream from the stands, shouting at players, but they don’t know the many challenges players face.

“If you are a professional footballer, use something to protect yourself. Please protect your gear – your soccer boots, kitbag with some muti of your own – so that when your teammate tries to put some muti in your bag, it doesn’t work.”

The former Orlando Pirates player contrasted modern injury absences with his own 12-year spell at the club, during which he says he suffered only one ankle injury.

“Such things were not common during our time. I played for Pirates for 12 years. In that period, I only had one ankle injury. I got injured today, and the next day I was back on the pitch. Thanks to an old man who cut open my ankle and put some stuff in, and I was at training the following day.

“Nowadays, players get injured at training and stay out for six months, nursing injuries sustained during practice. Imagine six months out? Something is wrong.

“So, players, please protect yourself. Use something,” warns the former Buccaneers star.