Education in football

The interviews conducted by Jabu Mahlangu with ex-football players are very well documented. I remember Naughty Mokoena, Junior Khanye and others sharing their stories.

One cannot help but feel sad and sorry for these once great PSL players for how their lives turned out.

They have given us so many memorable moments during their playing days. Mahlangu’s interviews with the players is a great initiative, as it creates awareness of how tough it is to be a professional football player – especially if you have not been privileged to guidance, assistance and proper management of financial resources, career, and life as a whole.

This must surely serve as a lesson to today’s players. Strive to educate yourself, especially if the necessary education, awareness or even care are not provided and catered for at your relevant club. It is your life, and you are the first person who is responsible for it. Hopefully, clubs are possibly creating a conducive and learning environment for players – to at least assist in guiding and preparing them for life after (and during) a professional football career.