Former Premier Soccer League (PSL) top goal scorer Ishmael Maluleke has become an evangelist after having played for soccer clubs that "used muti".
The 38-year-old former Mamelodi Sundowns striker, who was the PSL's top goal scorer in the 2001/2002 season with 18 goals, decided to follow in his mother's footsteps and started Solomon Porsche Church in Giyani.
"My mom, Dr Selinah Maluleke, is a well-known pastor and motivational speaker in Limpopo. She never wanted me to play soccer because she was scared that they will break my legs and I'll be crippled for the rest of my life,” said the former Manning Rangers striker.
“Playing soccer was the toughest decision for me to take because I grew up in a family of Christians and the worst part is that while my mom was a pastor I had to play for teams that used muthi," said Maluleke.
Maluleke, originally from Shithlelani village outside Malamulele, would not name the clubs that used muthi.
Today, the young pastor also runs a DSTV shop in Malamulele.
Besides playing soccer, he obtained a diploma in marketing, a degree in property management and another in sports management from the Durban University of Technology.
His ministry specialises in motivating young people to make quality choices and invest in education.
"Young people should invest their time in education because football is a short team career and one needs to be sharp and value education," said Maluleke.
Maluleke advised soccer players to save money.
The pastor says he also regrets ever playing for top club Mamelodi Sundowns.
"I also regret joining Mamelodi Sundowns. I was too young and was never ready to play for them," he said.
His mother, Dr Selinah Maluleke, said: "We have never been called to the neighbours' homes or to school to be told he was a trouble maker."
- African Eye News Service
PSL clubs use muti, says former top scorer-turned-evangelist
The 38-year-old former Mamelodi Sundowns striker, who was the PSL's top goal scorer in the 2001/2002 season with 18 goals, decided to follow in his mother's footsteps and started Solomon Porsche Church in Giyani.
"My mom, Dr Selinah Maluleke, is a well-known pastor and motivational speaker in Limpopo. She never wanted me to play soccer because she was scared that they will break my legs and I'll be crippled for the rest of my life,” said the former Manning Rangers striker.
“Playing soccer was the toughest decision for me to take because I grew up in a family of Christians and the worst part is that while my mom was a pastor I had to play for teams that used muthi," said Maluleke.
Maluleke, originally from Shithlelani village outside Malamulele, would not name the clubs that used muthi.
Today, the young pastor also runs a DSTV shop in Malamulele.
Besides playing soccer, he obtained a diploma in marketing, a degree in property management and another in sports management from the Durban University of Technology.
His ministry specialises in motivating young people to make quality choices and invest in education.
"Young people should invest their time in education because football is a short team career and one needs to be sharp and value education," said Maluleke.
Maluleke advised soccer players to save money.
The pastor says he also regrets ever playing for top club Mamelodi Sundowns.
"I also regret joining Mamelodi Sundowns. I was too young and was never ready to play for them," he said.
His mother, Dr Selinah Maluleke, said: "We have never been called to the neighbours' homes or to school to be told he was a trouble maker."
- African Eye News Service
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos