Steven Kitshoff: Exploitation of players ‘happens more than we think’ after Bryan Habana stealing revelation
Springboks legends Bryan Habana and Steven Kitshoff.
Former Springboks prop Steven Kitshoff believes that Bryan Habana may not be the only rugby player to be taken advantage of by their family or friends.
Last week, South Africa’s record try-scorer revealed the shock that his father stole from him for several years, resulting in their relationship breaking down.
Habana claimed that they have not been close for 15 years, but Kitshoff suggested that it might not necessarily be uncommon.
The price of fame
Being high profile sports stars with more money than most, certain people may feel they can take advantage of their wealth and fame, including members of their family, and that is what happened to the ex-wing.
“It’s tough. Within the sport, I think it happens more often than we think,” Kitshoff said on the GameTime podcast.
Particularly in South Africa, the 33-year-old states that there is both an expectation and a willingness to provide for people back home.
He added: “There are a lot of guys that go through other [things], whether it’s family or supporting [someone close to you].
“Especially guys that come from rural areas, they give most of their money back to support their families and look after them.
“Sometimes people think that rugby players are flipping super rich and have got all the money in the bank, but a lot of their money goes back and looks after their family, which is very noble.
“The guys are willing to work exceptionally hard for something that is bigger than themselves, which is what I love.
“It’s tough. I also saw that interview. I knew the story from Bryan but just to see it again, it’s tough to see.
“You always wish that someone and their father have an unbelievable relationship and as soon as the money comes in and gets involved, it’s tricky.”
Springboks legend Bryan Habana: My father stole a lot of money from me
Habana’s trust broken
Habana revealed on the Business of Sport podcast that he was in a better position than most growing up and was able to go to the best schools and universities.
He had a happy childhood and initially had a great relationship with his father, but that was broken when the Springboks legend was betrayed.
“Trust is a really difficult thing to understand. My trust rested with my dad, who was managing that side of my life [finances] from a very young age, only to find out eight years later that the trust I thought I had was not being had,” Habana said.
“I unfortunately lost quite a bit of money because the one person I thought I could trust mismanaged my funds and used them for his own over the course of eight years.”
