Former Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs captain Siphiwe Tshabalala has issued a plea to Premier Soccer League players on the importance of building their own brands in preparation for life after football.
The goal scorer of the first goal at the 2010 FIFA World Cup made 90 appearances for the senior national team – the second-most behind Aaron Mokoena.
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Tshabalala also boasts multiple titles under his belt, including two league titles, as well individual accolades such as the 2010 Gauteng Sports Personality of the Year Award.
However, Tshabalala also boasts a major personal brand that has allowed to collaborate in various commercial ventures off the field.
Speaking to media at the Nedbank Cup Ya Rona House Fan Experience, the winger explained the importance of professional players developing their brands.
"I invested a lot in the 'Siphiwe Tshabalala' brand," he said.
"The reason I did that was to prepare for life after football and I knew at some point, there would be a moment where the whistle would stop and life has to continue.
"If you build a brand, a solid brand, a brand so good that other brands will want associate with it, you stand a better chance of having a decent life post your [playing] career.
"My advice to the players is to invest in your brand. Take care of yourself and use this opportunity. Use this platform that you have now currently as a professional footballer to launch your career post-football.
Thank you @Shoprite_SA for your contribution towards the Siphiwe Tshabalala Tournament ???? pic.twitter.com/AOAi2YNQvn
— Siphiwe Tshabalala (@siphiweshabba) July 14, 2023
"There is still another career, there is still another life after football. You still have about 25 or 30 years post-retirement.
"So, that's where the challenges come. You get to see your real friends, you get to see your circle, but the advantage is that you have a platform. You have people that look up to you. You have people that love you.
"If you do it right, build those relationships a bit earlier or at an early stage, it enhances your chances of having a long-term relationship with them.
"I once worked with Nedbank for the Nedbank Cup. If I'm not mistaken, I think it was around 2008 or something. They had my picture on their cheque and savings card. So, it's a relationship that started a long time ago.
"This is my third year (as an official ambassador) doing the Nedbank Cup.
Did this interview with @salomonkalou on the 12th of January just before the opening game of AFCON.I said maybe we might have a Côte d'Ivoire ???? vs South Africa ???? final ????.Full focus on the Super Eagles ???? @caf_online #totalenergiesafcon2023 Prophet Shabba?? pic.twitter.com/aSs5yh9V6B
— Siphiwe Tshabalala (@siphiweshabba) February 6, 2024
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"It's a space that I love, [I get] to talk football, to amplify, give it a reach. Ad not only football [but also] the challenges we face. financial literacy.
"So, the financial literacy issue is not only a problem that affects football players, it affects all of us.
"At some point, we all make the wrong financial decisions. So, it speaks to all of us whether you're a journalist or an athlete, in our different respective fields we all have a chance to learn, re-learn and unlearn those wrong habits."
In addition to Nedbank, Shabba works with brands such as Lays, Futurelife and Betway.
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