Agents get a tongue-lashing
IN THE wake of Oscar Ntwagae's death, Platinum Stars' publicist Suzan Phala launched a scathing attack on player agents and clubs, whom she accused of only caring for the players when they are on top.
Phala, mother of Stars' speedy winger Thuso Phala, was speaking at Ntwagae's funeral in Tsakane on Saturday. The defender died last week after a hit-and-run incident in Germiston, Ekurhuleni.
"Clubs love the players when they are at their peak, but throw them away when they are over the hill. Agents also claim that they look after the players' finances, but when these players die you find that they have nothing at all," Phala said.
"They should just be their advisers. They should only make deals for the players and not be involved in their finances."
Ntwagae's agent, Francesco Ferreira of ProSport International, who stepped outside when Phala went on the warpath, said later that agents are unfairly criticised: "We can only do so much for the players. If they don't handle their finances right, there's nothing much we can do. We can only offer advice, because at the end of the day, most of these players are adults."
Meanwhile, Safa vice-president Mandla "Shoes" Mazibuko called for the stadium being built in Tsakane to be named after the deceased footballer.
Mazibuko, together with George Khunou of Platinum Stars, was among the many mourners who attended the funeral to bid farewell to Ntwagae.
"I don't think the stadium has been named yet and if that's the case, I think it should be named Oscar Ntwagae Stadium. That is the only way we'll remember him," Mazibuko said to rapturous applaud from the mourners.
Among the mourners were Sundowns players Surprise Moriri, Lebohang Mokoena, Vuyo Mere, Koketso Mmotong, Brian Baloyi and James Mayinga, as well as former Downs stars Clement Mazibuko and Godfrey Sapula.
Torso
The lady need to realise this is business. Maintain a good performance rate or you're of no use to any team. Players need to take care of their finances sh*t. When you're given advise, you take it or leave it, either you're going to have to take responsibility. Nuff said.Report Abuse
Makhosini
Good point Madam Phala, but the players are responsible for mapping their own careers, but unfortunately most of them opt for six digits figures even if they know that they will be monumental bench warmers. Most Premier Soccer League players aspire to play for Pirates, Chiefs and Sundowns to the detriment of their talent and growth. I can also add that some of these top clubs, has become retirement villages for players.Since soccer became business as opposed to an entertainment sport, we have seen the influence of soccer agents and bosses in the sport. Instead of the spotlight being on players, the focus has shifted from the field of play to boardrooms.
Also we can add the issue of ill discipline. Some of our players are their worst enemies when it comes to poor discipline, such as Old John Mabizela, Sipho Nunens, Jabu Pule and Junior Khanye, just to name but four. We have seen some players signing two contracts, some going Awol, some abusing substance and alcohol and unless, their quickly do an introspection, most of them will be dancing to Teddy Pendergrass' tune of IN MY TIME.
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snazz
rest in peace oskido. we lost another good player thi is no ayoba.....................Report Abuse
tomtom
Players need to realise that foot ball is not just about entertainment but is a business a career.So honestly they can not blame anyone for them losing popularity and gettin old, those things a oblvious in football they know that its not going to last for ever and their retirement doesnt not start at 65. They need to know and understand that how they manage their money is their responsiblity and no one should be blamed for that, if you have lost form its not the agents fault when you get older it also not he agents fault.BLACKK FOOTBALLERS NEED TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR ACTIONS AND STOP POINTING FINGERS,as well as their families because when the have money they dont send it wisely
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DRU
Lerato Chabangu is R1.5m richer at the moment after termination of his contract from Downs,I wish he become clever & use that money wisely not blowing it with alcohol & girls.I sometimes ask myself why this boys dont mix their soccer careers with books,for example look at former Bafana player(Linda Buthelezi)the man is educated & also I heard thet the chiefs defender(Tau) is also going the same route as Linda.Report Abuse
maphosa2
she was speaking out of anger not from her sence, teams & agents must not be blamed for finance on players. the only thing these players are best on is luxury things only forget about their future........Report Abuse
NDESE
HI GUYS. ANY INFORMATION NGO-JULLY MAHLANGU????????????????????????????????Report Abuse