South African footballers have now been encouraged to break the trend of falling into financial turmoil after their playing careers by learning the "business of football".
Minister of Sport, Arts Culture Zizi Kodwa addressed the global union for professional football players at FIFPRO's General Assembly in Cape Town and highlighted the importance of player wellbeing during their careers to set them up for a life after retirement.
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While footballers losing the wealth they have accumulated during their playing careers is becoming less prominent, it still an issue among players in the modern game as pointed out by the Minister.
Although some players like George Lebese, Lehlohonolo Majoro, George Maluleka and others have ventured into establishing their own businesses, others have not gone the same route and the Minister highlighted his concern for what happens to players after retirement.
"Football is a relatively short career with most players retiring at the age of 34 to 36. What do players do after this?
"The post-playing careers of football players, and athletes generally, can vary widely as individuals pursue different paths based on their interest, skills and opportunities," Kodwa said.
"What is important is whilst at the peak of their careers, athletes also must explore their exit strategies. The only muscle that has got the potential to mature with age is the brain.
"At an early age, our young athletes must learn to stimulate their minds in tandem with their physical gifts. This will ensure better career decisions and better quality of life, both [during] and after [their] football career.
"It is therefore imperative that athletes learn the business of football so they can participate in the industry in a supporting ecosystem while still active int heir playing careers."
Kodwa then highlighted the various possibilities that players have after retirement, listing roles in coaching or management at different levels, administrative roles in football clubs and related organisations, roles in the media industry whether it be radio, television or print, and entrepreneurship as opportunities for players.
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