Pirates, Chiefs, muti: ‘Something is happening with these boys’
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Pirates, Chiefs, muti: ‘Something is happening with these boys’
Aug 18, 2026 – 07:01 pm
By Sipho Mlotha
An Orlando Pirates legend has come out to advise players not to be ashamed of protecting themselves from teammates who are out to destroy them using muti.
Albert ‘Bashin’ Mahlangu, who is considered one of the best players to have donned the famous Black and White jersey, has observed with keen interest developments around players who enjoy red-hot form, only to suddenly experience a change in fortunes.
He says that, in most cases, players who shine at smaller clubs but struggle once they join bigger teams are hamstrung by muti used by teammates.
“Don’t be fooled by people making noise, it’s tough on the pitch. I played for Pirates, and it wasn’t easy,” says the man who answered to the nickname ‘Ayashis’ Amateki’, sharing his thoughts with KickOff.
“For example, at Pirates, where is Andre Jong? Where is Kabelo Dlamini? We had Tshegofatso Mabasa, who was doing so well scoring goals for us, but all of a sudden he fell out of favour with the coaches. Evidence Makgopa too, a player I knew very well, that he would always score if introduced in the second half, but he has disappeared.
“Yanela Mbuthuma was brought in from Richards Bay, scoring goals from left, right, and centre. He got there at Pirates, he scored and scored… all of a sudden, he has stopped scoring.
“If you and I are teammates, you must use muti the right way. Use it to improve yourself and help the team win, not to destroy me. If I am destroyed, how are we supposed to play? You need 11 players on the pitch to form a team.
“Kaizer Chiefs have five left-backs on the injury list. How is that possible?,” he adds.
Mahlangu says if fans were privy to some of the behind-the-scenes goings-on at PSL clubs, they would be shocked to the core.
“It’s not easy in these teams. People scream from the stands, shouting at players, but they don’t know the many challenges players face.
“If you are a professional footballer, use something to protect yourself. Please protect your gear – your soccer boots, kitbag with some muti of your own – so that when your teammate tries to put some muti in your bag, it doesn’t work.
“When was the last time Tapelo Xoki played a match? Sihle Nduli had just returned from injury, but suddenly he’s injured again.
“Such things were not common during our time. I played for Pirates for 12 years. In that period, I only had one ankle injury. I got injured today, and the next day I was back on the pitch. Thanks to an old man who cut open my ankle and put some stuff in, and I was at training the following day.
“Nowadays, players get injured at training and stay out for six months, nursing injuries sustained during practice. Imagine six months out? Something is wrong.
“So, players, please protect yourself. Use something,” warns the former Buccaneers star.