FORMER Kaizer Chiefs star Junior Khanye has left his troublemaking days behind and is now on the straight and narrow.
At the peak of his powers, the 33-year-old dazzled the nation with his breath-taking talent.
However, he frustrated many football lovers who wanted to see more of it on a regular basis.
He is the ultimate tale of lost opportunities and promise unrealised.
Khanye is well aware of his shortcomings, so much so that he has made it a personal mission to ensure that his story serves as a lesson to other promising footballers.
Today, the Daveyton-born star is back at home living with his mother and four kids.
He is determined to make a difference in society and be remembered for all the right reasons.
He will be launching the Junior Khanye Foundation on 30 March, which will see him travel around the country doing motivational talks.
He is also working on a book titled The Truth Behind Words, which will paint a clearer picture of what went wrong in his life.
“Everyone knows I have made mistakes,” said Khanye.
“But if my story can help save another person from a similar situation, then it was not in vain.
“I want to motivate people from all over, it’s not only about football – I will be going to hospitals, schools and jails to motivate people.
“My book will also help in showing people that it is never too late to turn your life around. There is a God, never judge another person because life is unpredictable.”
Khanye is also planning to open a football academy under his foundation and run school tournaments.
He said he is hoping to sell talent from Daveyton through the tournament.
“There is a lot of talent in the townships,” he added.
“Myself, Skapie Malatsi and Jabu Mahlangu would never have made it if it wasn’t for school tournaments, so I want to bring that back.”
Khanye has not given up on his dream of returning to professional football one day.
Lerato Chabangu’s return in the colours of Alexandra-based Baberwa FC has motivated Khanye, who is adamant that he still has what it takes to play at the highest level.
“Junior Khanye will never stop playing,” he revealed.
“I’m still very fit and people still love to see me play. I believe I can still play for a professional team for another nine years.
“My plan was always to retire at the age of 42.”
