Dumisani Zuma admits to problems at Kaizer Chiefs as he 'was caught under the influence of alcohol' but 'psychologist told me that I don’t have problems'

Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Dumisani Zuma has revealed the difficulties he faced during his time at Amakhosi and has also shown gratitude towards the club.

The 29-year-old, who had joined the Soweto giants in 2017, was released by the club in June 2022 due to issues related to alcohol abuse and misconduct.

Zuma, who is currently without a team, has acknowledged that alcohol abuse and negative influences played a role in destroying his football career.

"I started training this year because last year I took a break from football activities because it was too much for me, I just wasn’t in the right state of mind. I didn’t take a break because I didn’t want to play soccer anymore but because I thought it would be unfair for a team to sign me and then I failed to deliver in terms of performance," Zuma told Andile Ncube on Snawa. 

"And then at Kaizer Chiefs, a lot happened, I think maybe I had misbehaving problems. I don't have any challenges with alcohol because at the club I was caught once being under the influence of alcohol. After that, that is where we agreed to mutually part ways. Even at the club, they told me that they wanted me to see a psychologist and the psychologist told me that I don’t have problems.

"So I appreciate everything they have done for me because at Chiefs they take you as their son, so now I take it as a man that if I want to change, it’s all on me, no one can help except myself," he added.

"But I admit that having too many friends and going out a lot was a challenge for me and contributed to where I am now. The happiest moments and best memories I have are of me playing football and right now I just want to play football again."

Zuma's contract was annulled by Chiefs after he appeared before the club’s disciplinary committee at that time for his inappropriate conduct and he was allegedly sent for rehabilitation, and counseling following multiple suspensions.

Following his exit from the Glamour Boys, the right-winger signed with AmaZulu FC, where he only spent a season before he left. 

Additionally, he also played for the now-defunct Moroka Swallows FC during the 2023/24 season, but he was let go early in 2024, and since then, he has not kicked a ball. 

Zuma will keep training alone as he anticipates offers from interested clubs.

He can join any club even outside the transfer window as he is a free agent.