IN AN era when professional soccer players are renowned for splashing cash around as much for their prowess on the field of play, former Moroka Swallows striker Steve Sekano has a simple yet wise message for them.
Sekano was speaking at an event held by the Gauteng legislature and Gauteng Soccer Legends at the University of Johannesburg, Soweto Campus, at the weekend. Legends is an organisation of former soccer players.
"Invest your money in something worthwhile so that you can live a comfortable life once your career is finished," he said.
The diminutive Sekano, 47, who used to mesmerise opponents and fans alike with his skills, is one of the fittest former players and one of the few who seem to be doing well financially.
He has a company and runs a soccer academy with Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Reneilwe Letsholonyane and former Orlando Pirates player Dira Laka.
"Some players don't invest their money and when it's time to retire, they have nothing," said Sekano.
He and some of SA's finest former stars were being honoured for their contribution to the game by the legislature. The event was attended by the likes of Helman Mkhalele, Steve Lekoelea, Pollen Ndlanya, Bashin Mahlangu, Jan "Malombo" Lechaba, William Mokoena and "China" Masondo.
The legislature's deputy speaker, Uhuru Moiloa, said the event was organised to thank former players for their contribution to soccer.
He said: "We felt it necessary as a province that proclaims to be the home of champions to relish these legends and say thank you."
Moiloa also encouraged players to invest in themselves. "These soccer legends need to realise they are entrepreneurs; their names are a brand and they need to develop that."
He spoke of many stars who, after retiring, are left with nothing to show for it.
Former Pirates player Alfred "Shakes" Gwabeni is one of those.
Gwabeni, 48, said: "Life is hard when you've had everything but now you don't have much."
ntsambab@sowetan.co.za
For more stories like this one, be sure to buy the Sowetan newspaper from Mondays to Fridays
Soccer players urged to invest - Gauteng recognises ex-stars
IN AN era when professional soccer players are renowned for splashing cash around as much for their prowess on the field of play, former Moroka Swallows striker Steve Sekano has a simple yet wise message for them.
Sekano was speaking at an event held by the Gauteng legislature and Gauteng Soccer Legends at the University of Johannesburg, Soweto Campus, at the weekend. Legends is an organisation of former soccer players.
"Invest your money in something worthwhile so that you can live a comfortable life once your career is finished," he said.
The diminutive Sekano, 47, who used to mesmerise opponents and fans alike with his skills, is one of the fittest former players and one of the few who seem to be doing well financially.
He has a company and runs a soccer academy with Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Reneilwe Letsholonyane and former Orlando Pirates player Dira Laka.
"Some players don't invest their money and when it's time to retire, they have nothing," said Sekano.
He and some of SA's finest former stars were being honoured for their contribution to the game by the legislature. The event was attended by the likes of Helman Mkhalele, Steve Lekoelea, Pollen Ndlanya, Bashin Mahlangu, Jan "Malombo" Lechaba, William Mokoena and "China" Masondo.
The legislature's deputy speaker, Uhuru Moiloa, said the event was organised to thank former players for their contribution to soccer.
He said: "We felt it necessary as a province that proclaims to be the home of champions to relish these legends and say thank you."
Moiloa also encouraged players to invest in themselves. "These soccer legends need to realise they are entrepreneurs; their names are a brand and they need to develop that."
He spoke of many stars who, after retiring, are left with nothing to show for it.
Former Pirates player Alfred "Shakes" Gwabeni is one of those.
Gwabeni, 48, said: "Life is hard when you've had everything but now you don't have much."
ntsambab@sowetan.co.za
For more stories like this one, be sure to buy the Sowetan newspaper from Mondays to Fridays
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