FORMER Orlando Pirates and Ajax Cape Town striker Thembinkosi "Terror" Fanteni's life as a terrorising attacker is nearing its sell-by date.

And worse, it has been claimed that his marriage to Unathi Gqoloza is heading down the same road.

The former Bafana Bafana star player, who once played for Maccabi Haifa in Israel, also lost his car due to being financially offside.

The creative and energetic striker was nicknamed Terror because he would mesmerise opponents with his dribbling skills, leaving defenders sprawling on the ground when he was in possession of the ball.

Fast-forward to today, and Fanteni's financial woes are taking a toll on him. H e is in the soccer wilderness, without a club and source of income.

This week, Fanteni pleaded with Sunday World to help him find a club because he was struggling to make ends meet.

"I have had nothing so far, and I need to take care of my responsibilities as a man. At the moment, my wife is taking care of things, but I don't want to relax. I'm training with the guys in the township so that I can keep fit and prepare myself for any call-up. At least, unlike other people whose cars were repossessed, I sold mine," he said.

Fanteni admitted that his kids were no longer staying with him, but said his detractors should stop "celebrating my downfall as these things can happen to everyone".

"I know my enemies are celebrating, but I won't be put down. I know that I will soon get a break."

The former Bidvest Wits star said he was prepared to join any team that was interested in him, including those from the lower leagues.

According to friends of the star, his wife apparently gave him an ultimatum to find a job or face being red-carded.

Gqoloza, an HR specialist in Cape Town, could not be reached for comment.

According to two independent sources close to the player, Fanteni felt embarrassed whenasking for something from his wife, who told him that he was not a baby and must hustle like every other man.

One of his friends claimed that Fanteni told his wife that they should sell their house and move in with his parents.

"His wife refused to entertain that idea. Instead, she took their kids to her parents' home," said the friend, who did not want to be named.

• mothombenia@sundayworld.co.za