South African football icon Mike Mangena has spoken publicly for the first time since his arrest, delivering an emotional account of an ordeal he says has tarnished his 60th birthday and threatened his legacy.
Appearing on 947’s sports show #MSWOn947, the former Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs striker opened up about his shock and frustration at being caught up in a situation he claims he knows nothing about.
“When I turned 60, I got arrested for something that I don’t know,” Mangena said during the interview.
The Arrest and Charges
🔴 “When I turned 60, I got arrested for something that I don’t know!!” 🔴
In his first public radio interview since his arrest and court appearances, football icon, Mike Mangena did not hold back in setting the record straight and clearing his name on #MSWOn947
📽 Full… pic.twitter.com/KdBAyvpChD
— robertmarawa (@robertmarawa) February 18, 2026
Mangena was arrested in November 2025 after police raided his farm in Hillside, Randfontein, where they discovered an alleged drug-manufacturing plant . He appeared in the Randfontein Magistrate’s Court alongside three co-accused—Morena Maqoaelane, William Kazipata, and Kennedy Tsogolane—and was granted R50,000 bail . The other three suspects remain in custody.
His legal team is reportedly seeking to have the charges dropped, arguing there is no evidence linking him to the crime . Mangena has consistently maintained he had no knowledge of what was happening on his property.
Protecting His Legacy
In the radio interview, Mangena spoke of the pain of seeing his name dragged through headlines at what should have been a milestone moment of celebration and reflection.
“I have served this country with pride through football. I have always respected the law,” he said. “For this to happen at this stage of my life is painful.”
The former striker, who also played for Bidvest Wits, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Moroka Swallows, acknowledged the personal toll on his family.
“For my children and grandchildren to see my name in this way is difficult,” he admitted.
Faith in Justice
Despite the circumstances, Mangena maintained a composed and dignified posture throughout the interview, thanking supporters who have stood by him since news of the arrest broke.
He insisted he has nothing to hide and is fully cooperating with authorities as court proceedings continue.
“The truth will come out,” he said firmly.
Mangena’s case was postponed to the end of May, with his legal team expected to apply for the charges to be dropped . For now, the football legend’s message is clear: he is determined to defend his name and ensure his 60th year is defined by accountability and truth rather than unanswered questions.
