Sports Physician Dr Singe Chonco insists injuries affect players mentally

The Premier Soccer League has had incidents where players’ careers ended prematurely because of injuries.

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The likes of former Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Brilliant Khuzwayo, which was due to a recurring ankle problem, former Kaizer Chiefs youngster, Wiseman Meyiwa, who was forced to retirement at the age of 19 due to injuries sustained in a car accident and former Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Brighton Mhlongo hanged his boots after an incident in training that left him partially blind.

Speaking to SABC Sport Chonco says that the uncertainty of a long-term injury may lead to a player’s mental health declining.

''So, there's three main psychological difficulties they get to experience, one they experience depression - that is mainly because they don't know how their lives would turn out going forward, would they still be able to perform, if not what will happen? Secondly there is loss of identity, because for most of them - sport is the core part of their identity, so when there's an injury it leads to a loss of purpose and identity. And see this when they start drinking,'' said Chonco.

Football is a very short career and players need to invest for life after retirement, which is what could cause anxiety if a player is injured.

The doctor adds that players tend to be anxious about going back to the field during recovery fearing that they may pick up another injury.

''The third thing they start to experience is anxiety and fear, there's a lot of that because they are not sure as to when they go back they might get another injury,'' added Chonco.

She adds that it’s important for players to have sports psychologists to help them recover mentally from injuries.

''Very vital to have a sports psychologist as a player. If you are not doing mentally, that turns to affect your  performance. But a psychologist would create a safe space for you, where you can speak about the things that affect you, to help you perform better,'' she expressed.

In October last year, Bafana Bafana striker Lyle Foster took a break from football due to mental health issues. Dr Chonco who works with the national men’s U15 and U20 teams says it’s important for the public to remember that players are human too and may struggle with their mental health.