There is still a lot of potential in Jabu Pule, but it appears fame and money will be his downfall. The mercurial young midfielder went walkabout before Kaizer Chiefs’ important Absa Cup clash against Sundowns last weekend and the club has suspended him without pay.
It can now safely be said that Pule will never fully achieve greatness in local soccer as few clubs would be willing to take on such a risk.
The player, known as ‘Shuffle†before his drug habit got out of hand, is now called ‘Drunken Master†and ‘Ngwana wa Tshwenya (Problem Child)â€.
This is not the first time Pule has done a disappearing act — he pulled the same stunt two seasons ago at a crucial time when Chiefs were in contention for the league title.
Pule and his then partner in crime Patrick Mbuthu — who is no longer playing — cost their club the title when they went on a drinking spree instead of taking part in two of the last five matches of the season. The challenge from an under-strength Chiefs faltered, handing the league title to archrivals Orlando Pirates.
Once again Pule has disappointed not only himself, his club and its fans, but also a country that hoped to see him as the creative midfield spark for Bafana Bafana.Â
Chiefs cannot be blamed for Pule’s downfall. The club has tried everything to assist the youngster to adapt to fame and money. After the first suspension, he was sent to a rehabilitation centre, lived with a mentor who taught him African rituals and was defended by greats such as Kaizer Motaung and Doctor Khumalo.
Everyone would agree that the kind of township football Pule plays is what brings crowds to the stadium. He has skills not seen in recent generations of players, but he is now being overshadowed by other starlets such as Joseph Makhanya.
The player may be best remembered for his star turn in the 5-0 drubbing of Jomo Cosmos in the 2001 Coca-Cola Cup final — he was crowned player of that tournament — and the hope inspired when he scored a beautiful goal against Lesotho in his international debut.Â
Even if Chiefs give him another chance he will be nothing more than a trick pony, one who cannot be trusted to guide the fortunes of his club or country.
Pule’s lack of professionalism can perhaps be attributed to his poverty-stricken background. When they arrived, he was unable to cope with the money and temptations brought by his prodigious soccer skills.Â
Unless the leopard can completely change his spots, Pule will go down in soccer history as a tortured genius who never realised his potential. What he has shown is that talent alone does not get you anywhere; it needs to be allied with industry and discipline.