A South African Sunday newspaper recently published a story that the former Warriors central defender was leading a pauper’s life in Johannesburg – reportedly as a tout at a long-distance bus terminus. The same paper, which has run a series of “negative” stories (all by one journalist) about the player, most of which have proved to be untrue, alleged that Makonese’s family was being taken care of by a Johannesburg church organisation.
The former Shabanie Mine and Orlando Pirates steely defender denied that in a recent interview. “I have heard about those stories and I am really disappointed. Is it a crime for me to be seen at the Park Station or anywhere like it? People must first confirm their facts because I run a transport company,” said Makonese.
“This is not the first time this kind of stuff has been written about me and I am now getting used to these rumors that are always floating about me. If you remember well, last time they went on to even report that I had died in a road accident.”
Makonese, who also played for Cape Town-based Santos when they campaigned in the ABSA Premiership, said he was still looking for a club to join, following his failure to sign with South Africa’s Black Leopards, who had shown interest in him.
He was offloaded by Orlando Pirates following his hugely publicised night life, briefly returning to Shabanie Mine last season. He has so far failed to attract interest from a new club in the neighbouring country, with critics suggesting he should return home and wind up his career.
Makonese rose to stardom in 2003, when he starred for Shabanie Mine under the tutelage of Moses Chunga. He broke into the Warriors team, scoring on debut in a Cosafa Cup match against Malawi the same year.
Post published in: Football