Former Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Nhlanhla Brilliant Khuzwayo has been accused of stealing money and a business idea from a woman who claims they worked together.
The woman, Thabi Khuzwayo came out to claim that the star “used her” and became a “financial burden” when they met in September last year, but Brilliant is denying the claims.
Thabi, who says she is not related to the former soccer player, told Daily Sun that she had asked Brilliant to assist her organization with with sports since he’s a sportsman.
Thabi owns an NPO called Zanok’phila, which she established in 2011.
“His task was to take young boys on a boot camp and train them so they can stay away from drugs. He was also supposed to mentor the boys and organize tournaments,” she told the publication.
However, Thabi claims that Brilliant quickly became a “financial burden” to her.
She also claims she paid for photo shoots and took him to schools, and from time to time, he’d ask her for non-business-related loans.
“I gave him the money because I thought he’d eventually help me as a partner but that never happened. Instead, he stole my idea,” she explained.
According to Daily Sun, text messages from the former footballer show him asking for R200 transport money for the boys to go to a funeral. In it, he allegedly says that he only has R800 and needs R200 more.
In another text message, he allegedly wrote: “Can you please pay for my flight? I’m supposed to go to Joburg for a programme but now I don’t have money for a flight ticket. I’m desperate. I will appreciate any amount.”
