It is not very often that the world of football sees a top manager or player have a qualification in an entirely different field, but this top-flight coach has made football his side hustle!
Ernst Middendorp is currently tasked with the seemingly arduous task of hauling Cape Town Spurs out the relegation zone it finds itself in at the moment but with two consecutive victories, some optimism may be creeping in.
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While the German coach may be embroiled in the relegation battle, he may still have other matters to take care of as he has also established him the world of business, with him being the CEO of a company since 1994. With the footballing world being one that is volatile in nature because of its ever-evolving and rapidly changing ways, it becomes important for footballers to try and secure their financial futures by looking for means of income and a potential future outside of the game for when they do decide to retire.
This would be important for managers specifically, because with the managerial merry-go-round that has become more prominent in recent times, job security over a number of years does not seem to be a realistic possibility for most coaches. With that in mind, relying solely on an income from football can be risky. While they make some considerable amounts of money from their time at the club, however long it may be, it is always nice to have some additional security.
The former Kaizer Chiefs coach has seemingly secured himself because of his exploits in the corporate world. It, however, didn't occur overnight but rather through long, meticulous planning and work that spanned over an incredible number of years. On the popular social media app usually used for business LinkedIn, the German tactician labels himself as a "strategically minded professional with strong financial acumen and an academic background in economics."
The coach has an academic academic background studied communication and management at PR Kolleg Berlin after studying Economics, Politics and History at Bielefeld University in his native country Germany. According to Deutsche Welle, Middendorp, at one point in his life, also ran a company that offers coaching and lectures. It involved offering clubs that are stuck a concept that would help them level up.
This has benefited him greatly in the football world because it contributes to his skillset as a manager.
"I offer advanced planning and coordination skills, as well as expertise in developing and implementing strategies, engaging stakeholders across the industry and ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations."
Away from the field, the 65-year-old is the Chief Executive Officer of Albena GmbH and has been since 1994. His duties include overseeing ongoing operations and procedures, developing and implementing strategies to ensure the efficiency of operations and to drive extensive growth. He also provide leadership and guidance to staff members "in a way that enhances performance and boosts productivity."
What his achievements both on the field of play and off it shows is that diversifying income streams not only improves financial security but also contributes to personal and professional growth.
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