With over 40% of footballers declaring bankruptcy post-retirement, education and entrepreneurship have become imperative. Percy Tau leads the trend as one of several South African stars who've earned degrees during their playing days.
Most footballers earn in a year what many earn in a lifetime before being fast-tracked into a sudden retirement. Sometimes, it's as if their entire financial life is compressed into a period of a four-year tertiary education cycle.
Scroll through the gallery to see 8 South African footballers who have obtained degrees
Healthy financial habits and decisions are now vital with the help of modern football clubs in order to break the habit of the lavish lifestyles bankrupting players.
READ: SA striker's vital advice to PSL stars
Tau sets the standard
As the current poster boy of South African football, Tau's remarkable journey from his loan spell at Witbank Spurs to the UEFA Champions League via unprecedented success at Sundowns was all achieved whilst earning a Bachelor of Commerce via the University of South Africa.
Whether the Bafana Bafana star makes use of his qualifications after his career that's promising to reach new heights in Europe, only time will tell - but the option to fall back on education is an admirable achievement for someone with the world at his feet.
READ: The social value of Khune the superstar
Who are the others?
Some other players who've also earned degrees include former Kaizer Chiefs stars Tefu Mashamaite, Jimmy Tau, Tsepo Masilela and Lehlohonolo Majoro.
Did you know?
According to XPro, a charity for ex-professional footballers, two out of every five players are made bankrupt within five years of retiring from professional football.
Your thoughts, please?
Do you think more footballers need to have education as a back-up or should clubs help them with financial advice?