Former PSL player hijacked at gunpoint

A former PSL player spent four days in hospital after being hijacked at gunpoint in Roodepoort, Johannesburg late last month. 

Former JDR Stars Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila and TS Sporting goalkeeper Bongani Manavhela almost lost his life during the ordeal. 

The 30-year-old Manavhela is currently in the books of ESwatini giants Mbabane Highlanders, who are regular CAF club inter-club competitors.

Manavhela was driving around 8:00 pm when armed suspects approached him, hit him with a gun, and took his belongings. 

A case has also been opened with the South African Police Service [SAPS] with the player’s car still missing. 

GOALIE HAPPY TO COME OUT OF THE HIJACKING ORDEAL ALIVE 

“It’s a bit tough, especially now that I have survived. When I think of it, it’s really traumatising,” Manavhela told FARPost. 

“In my life, I have never shown a gun before, and at some point, I thought I was going to die. I actually had to beg them not to shoot me, and they ended up talking amongst themselves and agreed to let me go.

“So I can imagine the worst could have happened. But I just thank God for the life that I am still alive to can even tell the story.”

HOW THE MOVE TO ESWATINI CAME ABOUT

The former Polokwane City keeper recently moved to ESwatini after parting ways with TTM.

He was strongly linked to Botswana side Township Rollers but instead chose to reunite with coach Solly Luvhengo whom he worked with during his amateur days. 

He joined the club after impressing them during a trial while they were in camp in South Africa last month. 

“So far, so good. There is not much difference between Eswatini and this side. Obviously, South Africa will always be better. But in terms of the style of play, the standard is more or less the same,” said the goalie.

“But besides the fact that it’s also the PSL, financially South Africa will always be better compared to all the leagues in Southern Africa.” 

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