Wayne Black remains a role model
RETIRED tennis star, Wayne Black, has his Zimbabwean roots at heart.
The tennis ace, who racked in over US$ 3,2 million during his playing career, has made the right choice by settling in the land where his umbilical cord is buried.
It’s now clear that Zimbabwe remains his motherland despite all the fame and fortune he amassed.
After initially settling in the UK, where he stayed with his Kazakhstan wife when he retired, he just could not resist his roots.
Wayne, who comes from the iconic Black family, which left global footprints in tennis, has now invested heavily back home.
He has invested in a five-star Bed and Breakfast lodge in Harare, which has been endorsed by The Sun newspaper of the UK as a “mustvisit” lodge.
With its splendour, ambience and, of course convenience to holiday-makers, Willow Lodge is a game-changer in the hospitality industry.
It’s now clear he was not just missing the sunny weather in Zimbabwe but investment opportunities as well.
After hanging the racket, he could have invested elsewhere but home will always be the best.
Wayne has shown us that no matter where you go or experience elsewhere, home will remain your sanctuary.
Nothing beats the spirit of home where you have unlimited freedom.
Home is the place where one finds real comfort, security and genuine love from their kith and kin.
Wayne realised that he needed to settle in the land where his freedom was guaranteed while investment opportunities remained aplenty.
At 50, Wayne made the right decision as he showed fellow Zimbabwean athletes that it’s noble to have a retirement plan.
It’s sad when retired athletes fall on hard times despite having amassed wealth at their peak.
His move should inspire other athletes, who are making millions of dollars right now, to always consider investing back home.
Sport has a short life span so people need to think about their retirement plans.
It gives a wrong picture when top athletes we followed religiously die paupers due to their failure to make retirement plans.
Wayne, who won four Grand Slams as he toured the world, did not misuse his earnings, which shows that he was focused.
He is now empowering locals by creating job opportunities for others.
This makes him an exemplary athlete who is determined to show the world that sport pays.
Through his facility, which has become a hit with international travellers, Wayne is also marketing Zimbabwe as a safe tourism destination.
In his playing days, he did the same as he lifted the Zimbabwean flag high along with his siblings Byron and Cara.
Wayne and his siblings put Zimbabwe on the global map and it’s quite refreshing to see them continue doing that after retirement.
They have always been one of the iconic families in this country who did a lot to boost the international profile of our nation.
It’s good that they are still doing just that and remain role models.