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Africa Sports News of Friday, 28 February 2020

Source: www.mynigeria.com

South Africa's first openly gay footballer opens up on challenges his career is facing

Phuti Lekoloane Phuti Lekoloane

South Africa's first openly gay footballer, Phuti Lekoloane, has opened up on what hi career has suffered since he revealed his sexuality.

Speaking to Times Live, the 28-year old warned other gays in football not to reveal their sexuality to prevent themselves from suffering the stigma the LGBTQ community suffers.

He also recounted how he was rejected by a team in the national first division over his sexual orientation.

“I risked everything to live my truth, but I wouldn’t advise anyone to come out now because of the stereotype. There is a lot at stake.

“If you come out, you have a lot to lose. I have lost everything that I have dreamed of.

“I wanted to play in the (national first division), but if teams in this league discriminate against you because of your sexuality, then it’s another thing.

“You can’t go there if teams still don’t understand homosexuality, so that is how I got rejected. If I was in the closet, I think I would have made it".

Phuti Lekoloane who now plays for Makapanstad RFC in the ABC Motsepe League believes there are other gays in football.

“My sexuality has robbed me of my career.

“Some people depend on football to put bread on the table. It’s always tricky, especially in football, but I would advise people to start living their truth and the more people that come out, the more we break the stereotype.

“There are a lot of gay guys in the closet that are playing in the league and the funny part is that it’s not only players, even the team managers are (gay).

“We do have bisexual team managers and coaches who are in the closet, so it’s always like that. I am the sacrificial lamb."