Former Shabana FC defender Silas Abungana has opened up on the mental toll of football and life struggles that pushed him to the edge, admitting that he was seconds away from committing suicide. Follow Our WhatsApp Channel For More News Abungana caused an online stir on Thursday night after sharing a disturbing message on his official Facebook page, suggesting he was considering taking his life. The post has since been deleted.“I’ve been going through a lot. Nimepambana sana kama mwanaume (I’ve really fought hard as a man), but unfortunately, depression took the biggest percentage,” read part of the message.##NAJAVA_MECA_8931513##The post triggered immediate concern within the football fraternity.Teammates at his current club Gucha Stars, were among the first to react, tracking him down and spending the night with him to ensure he was safe and supported.When Mozzart Sport reached out, the usually jovial fullback expressed remorse, but admitted he is still battling the unpredictability of life and the weight of internal struggles.“I’ve been through a lot. Since 2 June 2023, things haven’t been the same,” Abungana shared.With emotion, the no-nonsense defender opened up on the chain of events that led to his struggles.“As a man, you fight so many battles. After we promoted Shabana, we thought things would change. I had played for the club for three years without salary—just allowances. We were only paid two months’ salary after winning the trophy, and I thought that was a sign things were getting better. But then I got injured, and my involvement with the team became limited.”Amount Rising Stars players earned as AFCON U20 allowancesAbungana was part of the historic Shabana squad that secured promotion to the FKF Premier League in the 2022/2023 season under coach Sammy Okoth.But that moment of triumph was quickly followed by frustration and uncertainty.“After promotion, I had high expectations. I thought my life was going to change. But that wasn’t the case. The frustrations kept piling up,” he added.The injury that followed his promotion success derailed his momentum, and in January 2024, Abungana was among seven players released by the club.“I really struggled during that time. I took a break to recover and get back in shape, but it was the toughest moment—no money, no work, no family around. I eventually returned to football, but life outside the pitch didn’t improve. We’re playing, but nothing’s changing. The pressure of trying to make it while also providing for your family becomes unbearable. That’s when I felt like I had reached the end,” he said.##NAJAVA_MECA_8931520##Despite the emotional burden, Abungana says he is now in a better space, surrounded by friends, teammates, and his club’s support.“I’m under great care now. The club and my close friends have been there for me. I’m ready to fight again,” he assured.He added that having a stable football contract or any income-generating opportunity would go a long way in helping him regain full stability.“Right now, I just want to spend time with my family and reflect. I’ve left social media, someone else is handling it for now. My season is as good as over. But if I can get a stable income, whether in football or something else, then I’ll be okay,” he told Mozzart Sport.Naibois skipper lifts the lid on uncharacteristic NSL switchAbungana previously featured for Gusii in the National Super League (NSL) before moving to Shabana.He now plies his trade at Gucha Stars, again under coach Okoth, and has helped the team earn promotion to the NSL for the 2025/2026 season.
