Chronicle Editor
Peter Matika, [email protected]
FOOTBALL legend Peter Ndlovu, affectionately known as Nsukuzonke, has found himself at the mercy of a woman who recently took him to task on social media over allegations of refusing to pay maintenance for the upkeep of their child in South Africa.
For those who might not be in the loop, Peter Ndlovu is not just any footballer. This man is a legend on the field, having dazzled fans across the globe with his footwork and finesse. He was the first African to play in the English Premiership top flight league.
However, it appears that off the pitch, he’s facing a challenge that no amount of dribbling can get him out of.
Florence Dlamini, who recently crawled out of the woodwork, is quite miffed at Ndlovu’s alleged refusal to contribute financially to their child’s upbringing. Dlamini recently lashed out on social media about Ndlovu’s alleged unbecoming behaviour and even sought the assistance of South African social media catfish Chris Excel to call him out over his actions.
Dlamini, who opened up to this publication, claimed that despite numerous attempts to resolve the issue, the football star has remained unyielding, leading to quite the standoff between the two parties. She also claimed that they underwent a paternity test that proved that Peter Ndlovu is the father.
“I am in so much pain, pain caused by someone who people look up to. Peter Ndlovu is the father of my daughter, a daughter that he is failing to take care of. I am facing a very difficult path after the passing of my mother. My mother had cancer and was in ICU until she passed on, and when I asked for help from this man, he called my child, his blood, a bastard,” said Dlamini.
She alleged that Ndlovu told her that whether there was a bereavement in her family was not his concern.
“I did not even once ask for help with my mother’s medical bills but only asked him to take the baby since schools were closed. I was sleeping at the hospital ensuring that my mother had someone next to her. That’s when he shouted at me and called my daughter a bastard while my mother was fighting for her life in ICU,” narrated Dlamini.
She said after her mother passed away, she travelled to Zimbabwe, leaving their child in the care of a helper.
“I did not even have the money to pay the helper because I had spent a lot of money on my mother’s medical bills and had even exhausted my savings. My friends and colleagues contributed towards my mother’s funeral, and it is from the same money where I had to take money to pay the helper and ensure that they have food up until I returned.”
“I have been pleading with this man to take care of his child and till today he is telling me he is in Tanzania. I don’t want to be labelled a bitter mother, but I am sick and tired of this deadbeat man. Every week I see a new post on Facebook, Instagram, and many other social media platforms about what he has acquired. A new post from a father who isn’t able to see his children, a new post from a man who wants nothing to do with his children,” said Dlamini.
She said Ndlovu only contributes 600 South African Rands, which is only enough to cater for food.
“In this economy that we live in, R600 is equivalent to nothing. I have been very understanding, but I am so tired. I am so tired of someone who is selfish and only thinks of himself. I am pleading for help; maybe he can pull up his socks and start taking care of his daughter,” said Dlamini.
The situation has understandably caused quite a stir between both families, with some calling for the football legend to step up and fulfil his obligations. It’s a delicate situation, no doubt.
On one hand, there’s the welfare of a child caught in the crossfire of adult disagreements. On the other, there’s the reputation of a beloved sports figure at stake.
How this will all unfold is anyone’s guess at this point, but it’s certainly a story that’s capturing the attention of many. Ndlovu has yet to make an official statement regarding the allegations, despite this publication reaching out to him for a comment.
Perhaps Nsukuzonke remains unabated, as he cruises the streets in his brand-new R2.6 million (US$144 000) 2024 BMW X6M Sport Competition, which he received as a gesture of appreciation from businessman Wicknell Chivayo for his monumental contributions to the country’s football legacy.
This saga reminds us that even our heroes have their battles to fight, some of which are far removed from the glory and cheers of the stadium.
Online Reporter