THE many articles we read in the media about the plight of former soccer players who have become penniless, is very sad.
We have seen many talented soccer players making good money during their footballing career, only to end up as beggars on the streets.
Many soccer players think they have made it in life merely by making it in the professional league, earning big purses.
Herein lies the danger.
Players, many of whom come from modest or poor backgrounds, are not equipped and cannot resist the temptations of the glamorous lifestyles suddenly thrust upon them.
They go on spending sprees, buy flashy cars, expensive properties and spend all their money on trivial things. Life’s a party.
Even those fortunate enough to ply their trade in Europe, spending many years abroad, end up as paupers.
Who should be blamed for this sad state of affairs?
Can fingers be pointed at football administrators?
Top clubs such as Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and SuperSport United pay their players well.
With good financial planning and proper career options once their playing days are over, players should not reach a situation of desperation.
It is not unique to soccer. Like many high-earning rugby players and boxers, soccer players are so caught up in the moment of their fame – it is like a drug – that they ignore the fact that sport careers are relatively short-lived.
Sport talent can take one only so far, but once sportsmen and -women reach their mid-thirties, they begin to fall by the wayside and by then they should have ensured that they obtained education during their playing days to qualify for employment, or at least have plans in place to take up business opportunities immediately after retirement.
If there are no proper investment and post-playing career strategies in place, it will end badly.
The reality is that players must take the responsibility for their own actions. They must get their house in order to safeguard their future.
It is not clubs or administrators’ responsibility to tell players what to do with their money or lives.
The best they can do is to ensure that structures are in place to guide and provide advice to the young players in terms of long-term planning.
Caught up in the glitz and glam, the majority of young players tend to be reckless and live like there is no tomorrow.
A good example is former Springbok great James Small, who died recently.
By own admission, he fell into deep depression once he had to retire from the game. He said he could not cope when he had to return to ‘ordinary’ life after the glory days and the fame waned. It must be impressed upon young players that sport lifespans are fleeting and that there is a tomorrow – which should be planned for very carefully and timeously.
