The press is often filled with stories of once-successful players now destitute. The lack of financial and business skills often renders some of the most talented players broke after retirement.
MultiChoice, the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and GIBS recently kicked off the PSL Player Transition Programme, a custom-made six-month course aimed at empowering soccer players with the right business and financial skills to help them find careers off the field after they retire. A total of 64 soccer players from the 16 PSL clubs enrolled in the first phase of the programme.
PSL chairman, Dr. Irvin Khoza, who opened the programme, advised players on the importance of using strategies off the field that have been learnt on the field, and to be prepared for any eventuality. “After soccer careers come to an end, many professional players find themselves destitute due to lack of financial management knowledge.”
He emphasised that while soccer gave players a great head-start, life after a football career was just as important. “GIBS brings about the formal part that orientates the player through the singular lens of football and will be beneficial to the players.”
Khoza also added that with the programme's backing, soccer players also had a greater chance of entering into administrative roles within the football fraternity.
The programme falls under GIBS’ customised programmes, designed in collaboration with organisations to co-create innovative learning solutions that will significantly improve individual and organisational performance.
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