Football is one of the most powerful and popular global sports. It unites communities throughout the world, provides entertainment, and breaks down cultural barriers. Over the years, the sport has grown to become an important and profitable business with a value chain that transcends industries. The economic impact of football on infrastructure development, sponsorships, television rights, and player development is immense.
For the players, a career in professional football can be rewarding in many ways. The fame, fortune, and status inspire many a youngster to work hard during their formative years. Talent, discipline, hard work, and some luck can stand a young player in good stead, especially those with dreams of playing top-flight football. In South Africa, many young players dream of plying their trade in the Premier Soccer League, or PSL, and having their matches broadcast on MultiChoice’s DSTV platform and others, watched and revered by millions across the country and beyond.
The football teams in the PSL are service enterprises also engaged in the business of talent investment. Many have in-house academies where football players are nurtured, groomed, and prepared for top-flight football. There is a great investment and emphasis on football skills development and preparation for on-field performance. What also makes professional soccer lucrative is that the top teams are not afraid to break the bank to secure the signatures of the best players.
The better players take it a step further by representing South Africa in the national team, exposing them to even more financial opportunities. Professional football is a high-stakes game with potential for high rewards. Unlike other career paths, however, it can be uncertain, does not always offer security, and is short-lived. The risk of injuries, the lows of fame, and changing teams and managers are always looming, and Father Time inevitably decides how long one can continue playing before the clock strikes midnight.
Failure to navigate financial obstacles during their heydays often renders many football players broke a few years after retirement. There have been many stories in South Africa, of players who once played for the country’s top teams and even for the national team being in financial dire straits after retirement. So in this revolving door of dreams and aspirations, it has become extremely important for professional football players to be readied for the high-income football life, as well as the life after retirement.
Thus, the transition from player to post-career opportunities represents a pivotal moment in an athlete’s life. In addition to the changes in financial circumstances, some psychological adjustments need to happen as well, as a new reality sets in.
Recognising the significance of this transition, the partnership between GIBS, MultiChoice, and the PSL has pioneered a transformative initiative: the PSL Player Transition Programme. At its heart lies a commitment to prioritise the holistic development of players, making sure that they are equipped to make meaningful choices and contributions beyond their football careers.
The pilot phase of the PSL Player Transition Programme began in 2022 – and after its success, the PSL, GIBS, and MultiChoice have again collaborated to enroll another cohort of football players to the programme. This year, the programme adds another dimension with the inclusion of new talent to the pool of seasoned players aged between 28 and 35.
During the specially formulated programme of learning, the chosen players will engage in course materials from four core modules, namely the business fundamentals, information technology, financial management, and leadership.
Participants will also have the opportunity to choose two electives from an array of options, including coach education, project management, facility management, business innovation, media officers, social entrepreneurship, merchandise management, and event management.
Partnership for transformative change
The partnership between GIBS, the PSL, and MultiChoice goes far beyond a mere educational endeavour; it stands as a beacon of transformative and lasting change. At its core, the PSL Player Transition Programme is powered by a shared commitment to the overall welfare of society.
Other professionals can also draw inspiration from the broader implications of the Player Transition Programme, which aims to create shared value for all stakeholders involved.
Similarly, professionals can seek career opportunities that align with their values and contribute positively to their communities and industries. By prioritising meaningful work, that creates value for themselves and others, professionals can find fulfilment and make a meaningful impact in their chosen fields.
In today’s dynamic landscape of sports and education, this collaboration sets the tone for future programmes designed to empower football players with the skills and instruments to navigate their transitions successfully. GIBS is renowned for its expertise in enhancing individual and organisational performance, and with the Player Transition Programme, it has extended its reach to elevate the lives of professional football players. MultiChoice is a long-standing partner of the PSL and football development. Guided by its values of “care, connection, and creation”, it continues to be dedicated to fostering social impact. The PSL, meanwhile, brings its fervour for player development beyond the confines of the football pitch.
Diving deep, the programme supports the players as they navigate their careers, and provides a toolkit for life post football. Hence, these athletes, many of whom have limited formal education, need more than just a learning programme. As the players progress through the programme, they not only acquire skills but also undergo a personal evolution, which prepares them comprehensively for the challenges and opportunities that lie beyond their football careers.
The Player Transition Programme fosters a culture of continuous learning and development, encouraging players to embrace change and adapt to new circumstances. By promoting a progressive and forward-looking mindset, and a willingness to explore alternative career paths, the initiative enables athletes to leverage their unique experiences and talents in diverse professional settings.
Through the programme, the players are empowered to champion themselves and actively contribute to their wider community. The blended learning experience focuses on creating sustainable value for the players. It does this by seamlessly blending lectures, practical integration and coaching to provide a well-rounded experience. Emphasis is placed on the key modules that focus on self-leadership, business development, financial resilience, project management, and career strategies.
Beyond its immediate impact on individual players, the programme has broader implications for the future of professional football in South Africa, by nurturing a new generation of well-rounded athletes capable of making meaningful contributions both on and off the field.
Changing the game
The Player Transition Programme stands as a testament to the importance of a player-centric focus in sports development, which can be applied to other professionals navigating career transitions or seeking to advance their professional development. In contrast to conventional approaches, which often prioritise on-field performance over off-field preparation, this initiative places the player’s journey at the forefront. By acknowledging the unique challenges and opportunities faced by athletes as they navigate career transitions, the programme aims to empower them with the skills and knowledge necessary for success beyond the pitch.
The collaboration between GIBS, MultiChoice, and the PSL is a game-changer. In the evolution of social enterprise and corporate social responsibility, this alliance goes beyond keeping up with trends. The goals are clear: create shared value, inspire excellence, and leave a legacy in the realm of South African professional football.
The game has changed, and this alliance and learning programme is at the forefront, shaping the future of football and its community of players. The Player Transition Programme not only adapts to change but also actively shapes the future of the sport and its players, setting a new standard for collaborative ventures in sports development.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- The collaboration between GIBS, MultiChoice, and the PSL exemplifies the concept of shared value, integrating societal needs with business opportunities for mutual benefit.
- The Player Transition Programme goes beyond traditional learning initiatives, offering players a comprehensive toolkit for life after football.
- Through a blended learning experience, the programme equips players with essential skills for alternative careers, emphasising self-leadership, business development, and financial resilience.
Derene Breytenbach is a programme manager within the executive education team at GIBS. She has a rich background spanning higher education, financial services, and parastatal sectors. Her skills are in driving growth, stakeholder engagement, and measurable impact. Passionate about forging partnerships for transformative change and navigating complex challenges with finesse, she is also the overall convener of the PSL Player Transition Programme.
Dr. Nobulali Dangazele has been a lecturer at GIBS since 2021. Before joining GIBS, she thrived as an award-winning producer while pursuing a Master’s in dramatic arts. She is a Mandela Rhodes scholar with a PhD from Warwick Business School. Dr. Dangazele brings a wealth of diverse experience using the arts to inform her research, teaching, and facilitation. She believes that authenticity is imperative for leadership and meaningful impact. Her teaching and research interests are in strategy, experiential learning, behavioural insights (Nudge), symbolic interaction, leadership, and applied theatre.
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