The modest apartment of Ulrich M Boume Dioba has a clear view of one of South Africa s World Cup stadiums, an image of hope for the young Gabonese footballer but also a stinging reminder of his struggles.
The 22-year-old from the central African country of Gabon played his nation s Premier League, his star has waned since arriving three years ago in South Africa, where he s struggling to find a club making the world stage represented by the Free State Stadium a distant dream.
It s been eight months since I had a team, says 22-year-old Dioba, his athletic build clad in a tracksuit and sneakers.
Dad sometimes sends me money, but that s painful for me. I am supposed to be sending the money home.
When I was small, dad told me off when I threw away food. …