Orlando Pirates’ Siyabonga Sangweni: My heart breaks for Brighton Mhlongo

Former Orlando Pirates defender Siyabonga Sangweni says he feels for Brighton Mhlongo after a freak accident in training put the goalkeeper’s career at risk.

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Brighton Mhlongo, who is a former Orlando Pirates gloveman, was struck in the face by a ball during a recent training session at TTM and now appears to be set for early retirement.

The 30-year-old paid a visit to an eye specialist after the blow left him partially blind and the medical advice was that he should retire from football sooner rather than later.

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Sangweni, whose career also ended early due to a knee injury, says he feels sorry for Brighton Mhlongo but also urged him to accept his fate and do his best to move on.

“It is hard what has happened to him, and it is painful, and as someone who has experienced it, I don’t wish for anyone to go through it,” Sangweni told Sowetan.

“There are so many empty promises that are made. Mhlongo must stay focused and be clear about what he needs to do. His career is gone. He must do something else.

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“He needs to get support from his family, and it will also depend on how he treated his family when he was still working.

“His situation breaks my heart. To me, it was not that easy. However, my family and wife were very supportive, and that is what matters.

“Importantly, I have a very courageous wife who supported me through thick and thin. I appreciate my wife for being there for me, and also hope that his wife will do the same.”

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