The tragedy with the blissful nature of ignorance, coupled with the passage of time, is that not many will remember Thabiso Hlalele the footballer. This even despite the fact he turned out for a number of clubs in the PSL, having started his career at Free State Stars and going on to blossom at Jomo Cosmos.
As a defender, he used to shepherd attacking players away from dangerous positions on the field, providing the much-needed security for his last line of defence. However, as it so often happens, life took a nasty turn after retirement from the game due to injury, and today the Botshabelo-born man finds himself working as a supervisor at a security company.
To have to come to terms with such a dramatic turn in circumstances, as it were, takes bravery, focus, and fortitude, something a lot of former players struggle to grapple with when the time comes. How is the 42-year-old adapting to his new lease on life?