Gert once joined the enemy
Former Kaizer Chiefs forward Gert Schalkwyk (left) never forgot that he was a part of the community in Alabama, Klerksdorp when he hit the big time with the Soweto giants.
Schalkwyk says his friends introduced him to a life of business in an attempt to help him plan for life after football.
The 36-year-old is part of the technical team at SAB League side Gunners FC – Schalkwyk is the head coach of youth development and an adviser to the first team head coach.
Having played for both Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, Schalkwyk says breaking the news to his parents, who are diehard Chiefs fans, that he was going to the Buccaneers, was difficult.
“They were disappointed that I was making the move to Pirates, but eventually my father said ‘you must just go out there and enjoy playing football but don’t expect me to be a Pirates supporter’.
“Some guys at Pirates were happy I was coming to their club and others were sad and angry with me for signing for the rivals. The funny thing was, I signed for Pirates and a day later Chiefs made a new offer, and I thought eish, why didn’t I wait for a day or two before signing.”
Schalkwyk played for Bostanci Bagcil in Turkey, and believes a number of South African players have what it takes to play in Europe.
He readily admits that his move to Europe came when he was close to hanging up his boots. The retired attacking midfielder says the move gave him time to think about what he wanted to do after he stopped playing.
The former Bloemfontein Celtic star hosts football tournaments in Klerksdorp, where he invites different clubs to compete for a trophy and prize money.
Schalkwyk has started a company called Schalky Projects which supplies electrical material and works hand-inhand with a few construction companies.
“I met this guy, then he showed me something different from football, he taught me about business, a world away from football. Then we started meeting a few other people and he got me started, then I met the mayors around here and I told them what I wanted to do and they support my tournaments.
“I give back to the boys to help them get started on their careers in football. I didn’t think I would have a company but now I have learned and it is growing.”
Schalkwyk says players need to ask themselves if they have done enough to be considered for selection by the coach before complaining about not getting a chance to play in a club. He says players should not get caught up in explaining their relationships with coaches at clubs where they spend months on the bench before leaving the club.
Schalkwyk’s plea comes at the back of Toni Silva and George Lebese leaving Mamelodi Sundowns and accusing coach Pitso Mosimane of overlooking them when selecting his squad.
He says this shows a lack of professionalism.