By Katlego Sekhu

Former Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana goalie Emile Baron has reportedly fallen on hard times.
Before paying for Kaizer Chiefs between 2004-2009 Emile Baron played for Norwegian side Lillestrøm Sportsklubb.
Following his career-ending injury in 2013 while playing for Wits, Baron has struggled to sustain himself and his family.
Speaking to the Norwegian publication TV2, Baron opened up about having to sell empty bottles to make a living and crashing at a friend’s place.
“I went into a deep depression. I wasn’t able to do anything, so I just stayed at home. I isolated myself from the world.
“I couldn’t get a job because of the injury, so I started to lose everything. If I had got the insurance, I could have started a business with the money. At least then I would have had an income. I could invest, and manage.
“It is difficult to get a job in South Africa. I never finished school so I’m not qualified to do anything. And during the pandemic, many went bankrupt,” shared Baron.
The 43-year-old had to rely on handouts to get by. “I feel weak. Physically I am weak, mentally I am weak, spiritually I am weak,” he said in part.
After hearing about his struggles, Lillestrøm’s fans started a fundraising initiative to help the player. Goal reports that fans have so far raised R2 million for the player.
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