Nelson Maluleke was dubbed the next big star from South Africa, but a few years later, he disappeared from the spotlight.

The young talent was affectionately known as ‘Shenko’, and he wowed many with his flair and command of the game.

MAKING A NAME FOR HIMSELF

 

He undoubtedly had the world at his feet during the 2015 Under 17 World Cup in Chile.

At the time, he was Amajimbos’s captain and was honoured to share the stage with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Eder Militao, and Victor Osimhen.

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A post shared by Nelson SHENKO Maluleke (@nelson_maluleke)

A few years later, most of these stars have become global superstars, leaving many trying to connect the dots about Nelson Maluleke’s whereabouts.

The media recently tracked down Nelson Maluleke, ‘who now wants nothing to do with football.’

At the age of 26, the star has since called it quits, claiming that he lost his passion for football after a career-threatening injury.

NELSON MALULEKE’S CAREER-THREATENING INJURY
With several clubs monitoring his situation at SuperSport, Shenko later signed for Tuks. Tragedy struck during the preseason when he had a knee injury in 2021.

After several medical procedures, he was informed that he would not play football again.

Since then, he hasn’t played football, and his knee still hurts. The former star can’t even run after the incident three years later.

Speaking to the media, he said, “It was after a year that I was told I would never play again, and from there, I had a fight with Tuks over money until they paid me to the end of my contract.

WHERE IS HE NOW?

Since then, Nelson Maluleke went awol. He has been keeping his life under wraps and hardly makes public appearances at other football-related events.

He retired at 23. To make ends meet, he started working at a mine. Three years later, Mzansi finds it puzzling that the once famous star is now a mine worker in Middelburg, Mpumalanga.

Confirmed reports have it that he is now a mine supervisor and usually works during the 7:00 to 17:00 shift.

LIFE AFTER FOOTBALL
Nelson Maluleke now hates football because he feels he failed to live the dream due to the injury.

Despite still getting several invitations for football clinics, the star has it that he doesn’t show up because people tend to feel pity for him.

However, he has been active on his social media platforms. According to his Instagram bio, Nelson Maluleke has also ventured into fashion with his line Shenko Clothing.

The clothing line offers some of the best fashion designs. Several PSL players, including Morena, have splurged thousands on the merchandise.