Former Bafana Bafana star Mbulelo Mabizela paid the price for ill-discipline during his playing days

Mbulelo 'OJ' Mabizela was once seen as one of the brightest sparks to come out of South African football.

However, ill-discipline consistently marred the former centre-back’s progression and deprived him from fulfilling his potential.

Mabizela’s rise and fall is one of South African football’s most heart-breaking stories, and after recently hanging up his boots, he has now opened up about some of the regrets he has faced in his career,

"I got all the support that I needed overseas, I won't lie. I had my mistakes, I am only human after all," Mabizela told SAFM.

At the age of 22, Mabizela became the youngest player to captain the national team and would even go on to seal a move to English Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur from Orlando Pirates.

But his off-field issues continued to plague his career and after being released by Spurs, he would return to the Premier Soccer League (PSL) with Mamelodi Sundowns, only to again fall foul to his demons.

"The honest truth is I was ill-disciplined, and it has cost me not only in Europe but also around SA,” Mabizela added.

The 37-year-old was most recently on the books of National First Division (NFD) side Royal Eagles, before hanging up his boots.  

"My discipline has always been an issue - I can't run away from it, it is the honest truth,” Mabizela admitted.

"There was a lot that happened, a lot was expected, and I didn't live up to the expectations," he concluded.

Aside from his notable stints with Pirates and Sundowns, Mabizela has also played for Norwegian side Valerenga as well as PSL clubs such as AmaZulu, Mpumalanga Black Aces and Bidvest Wits among others.

Despite his struggles, Mabizela also managed 45 games for Bafana Bafana.