Kingpin forward Khama Billiat has been encouraged not to collapse into mental challenges, as he continues to plot the next move of his career.
Since leaving Kaizer Chiefs at the end of June, Billiat has been without a club for the first time since he arrived in South Africa as a teenager in July 2010.
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The 33-year-old's five-year stint with Kaizer Chiefs came to an end at the end of June after failing to agree terms on a new deal.
Speculation has linked Billiat with a move abroad with the Middle East market explored while engagements having been made about Turkey.
"This is the most difficult phase for any footballer in his career and is really mentally taxing though I feel if you have planned well then it shouldn't be an issue," says retired Nigerian footballer Prince Olomu.
"Such is the space that footballers must go through at that point of their careers that at times it becomes difficult to merely leave the house and face the public.
"For Billiat he has all his professional football life being pampered with praise but is now without even a club.
"I just hope that he has sorted out all the people that depend on him.
"It only becomes scary if you never planned anything because in that case then you sink into depression thinking about the way forward.
"What is worse is that the offers don't compare to what he was earning at Chiefs.
"Accepting that reality is frustrating and destructive to the mindset especially when you are not strong.
"This is the most depressing period for any footballer because reality is that you will not be able to earn what you have been getting all along anymore.
"Billiat is in the worst period of his football career now.
"This is the worst time for any footballer and a period that a lot of players struggle with because it means so much must now change.
"You can ask anyone who played professional football and they will tell you about this.
"For all the money that Khama was earning the reality is that he has never had to go two months without a salary.
"Having to be indoors watching others play is a something new for him.
"Mental health issues are real for footballers and must never be underestimated.
"When you come to be in the space where Billiat is it feels like everyone has ditched you and you go through periods of not having your phone ring the whole day.
"This is the first time that he is without a club, so I think he is feeling cold and alone because he is not used to it.
"The trouble for us players is that when we are playing we always think we will live that kind of life forever but it doesn't work like that.
"If he has properties in South Africa and is not owning anyone then he shouldn't be feeling frustrated.
"Towards the end of my career my wife was getting worried, and I was the one comforting her and reminding her that somebody left for me to get here which is why it will be the same with me," explains Olomu.