Albert Mahlangu's Warning on Muti in Football

Orlando Pirates legend Albert ‘Bashin’ Mahlangu has delivered a stark warning to today’s professionals, claiming that sudden dips in form and recurring injuries are often no accident – but the result of teammates using muti against each other.

The former Buccaneers midfielder, who wore the black and white for more than a decade, believes the pressure to survive in the top flight is driving some players to target their own colleagues.

“Don't be fooled by people making noise, it's tough on the pitch. I played for Pirates, and it wasn't easy,” Mahlangu told KickOff, lifting the lid on what he says really happens behind dressing-room doors.

Where are they?

To make his point, Mahlangu turned to names in the current Orlando Pirates squad whose careers, in his view, have stalled without clear explanation.

“For example, at Pirates, where is Andre Jong? Where is Kabelo Dlamini?

“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.

“Surely, there is something happening with these boys,” he said.

For Mahlangu, those sudden drop-offs are not just about tactics, form, or confidence. He insists muti is at play – but used in the wrong way.

Muti as a weapon

Mahlangu is not against muti in football. Far from it. He believes it has a place in the game, but only as a tool for personal strength and team success, not sabotage.

“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.”

He widened his concern beyond Pirates, pointing to the injury crisis at a rival giant.

“Kaizer Chiefs have five left-backs on the injury list. How is that possible?” he asked, leaving the question hanging.

Protect your gear

For Mahlangu, the modern professional environment is far more dangerous spiritually than most fans realise. He urged players to be alert, not just physically and tactically, but in the dressing room as well.

“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.”

He again pointed to current players whose stop-start careers trouble him.

“When was the last time Tapelo Xoki played a match? Sihle Nduli had just returned from injury, but suddenly he’s injured again.”

To Mahlangu, these patterns are not random. They are warnings.

Our time was different

The 59-year-old contrasted the current landscape with his own playing days, describing a career in which serious injuries were rare and recovery was rapid – at least in his case.

“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.

“Imagine six months out? Something is wrong.”

For Mahlangu, the conclusion is clear. The modern pro cannot afford to be naïve.

“So, players, please protect yourself. Use something,” he urged.

In a league where competition is ruthless and careers can stall overnight, his message is simple: talent and training might not be enough.