07/04/2007 18:26 - (SA)
I’ve changed – ‘OJ’
Daniel Mothowagae
MAMELODI Sundowns’ troublesome defender, Mbulelo “OJ” Mabizela, has vowed to put the bad-boy image behind him and start rebuilding his ailing career.
Speaking from his Midrand townhouse this week, Mabizela said he has had enough of being labelled the game’s enfante terrible.
During City Press’s visit on Thursday, the former Bafana Bafana skipper had just returned from training, and was watching a Will Smith movie, The Pursuit of Happyness.
In comparison to “OJ’s” real-life ordeal, the film features Smith as a man struggling to get his professional life back on track.
Mabizela is now counting down the days before the end of his six-month suspension.
“It is five weeks to go and I am looking forward to fighting for a first-team place,” he said.
“This debacle has cost me a lot,” he revealed, adding that apart from losing his reported R70 000 January salary for going AWOL, he had also lost his lucrative personal sponsorship with Adidas.
“I admit making mistakes in my career but the current ordeal will go down as the biggest lowdown in my professional soccer career,” he pointed out. “But I will pick myself up,” he promised.
Recalling the day he was handed a six-month ban from football, the burly defender said he knew his maiden season at Downs was shattered.
He said he regretted his actions, and thanked the Downs management for giving him a second chance.
“I sincerely apologise to my club, Sundowns, fans and everyone whom I let down.”
The South African Football Association (Safa) DC found Mabizela guilty for testing positive for dagga, a banned substance, and was fined R70 000.
He later appeared before the club’s DC to answer for the use of dagga and not reporting for duty after festive holidays. He was found guilty of both charges.
A repentant “OJ” said he is ready to participate in the next stage of the Caf Champions League in June if Downs progresses to the group stages.
Meanwhile, team manager Harris Choeu said Mabizela is complying with his weight-loss programme and the team is happy with his progress.
“He is following his programme regularly and is working with physiotherapist Jeremy Kern.”
Choeu said they at one stage had received calls from concerned supporters after they had given the player some days off.
He said the fans thought Mabizela had again absconded when they saw him lazing about in the streets on week days.
“He is going through a hectic training programme.We gave him a break like other players.”
Contrary to reports that the 27-year-old had deserted his family in Pietermaritzburg, Mabizela said he would spend the Easter holidays at home.
“Those are some of the stories that break my heart because I am very close to my family,” he said.
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