Professional footballers around the world rake in millions of bucks at the height of their careers. Yet statistically, many footballers run out of money once their playing days are over, living poverty laden lives with a significant percentage receiving pauper’s burial after their death.
Kaizer Chiefs captain Bernard Parker who has featured in all the club’s games this season is singing from a different hymn book by emphasizing that education is key to future prosperity away from the glitz and glamour of the soccer field as the forward is preparing for the future by studying part-time.
Parker revealed on the club’s official website that he is studying for his higher certificate in sports marketing management.
‘It is going well, and I am enjoying myself. The good thing about it is that I am studying part-time. I do make sure I make time for books in between family and football, and it is important to maintain the balance in all aspects of life.”
“Education is key. If you are not keen to study for careers outside of sports, then make yourself wiser within the many careers relating to sport,” Parker said.
The importance of planning for the future and education cannot be stressed enough, as football is a very short career filled with uncertainties, one bad injury could end a player’s career and leave them with no source of income.
The normal career span for a soccer player is 10 years barring serious injuries necessitating the need for football stars to focus on their future prospects whilst they still have earning power.
“We all know that football is a short career. We all need to have a plan to know what you will do after you retire,” said former Kaizer Chief defender Tsepo Masilela.
This is why a number of players have decided to invest in their education and business in preparation for the day they hang their soccer boots.
To serve as a motivation to the youth we also take a look at footballers who have managed to juggle their soccer careers with their books as part of planning for their future in their heydays.
Lehlohonolo Majoro-Diploma in Diagnostic Radiography (University of Johannesburg)
Michael Morton-Bachelor of Commerce Degree in Business Administration and Management (UNISA)
Jimmy Tau-Marketing Degree (UNISA)
Tefu Mashamaite-BA Degree in International Relations and Politics (Wits University)
Daine Klate-Financial Accounting Degree
By Gerald Dandah
