With a majority of the legends currently active in their communities through coaching, club ownership and some looking at establishing football academies, sound financial management practice is key in their different activities.
The former football professionals had an opportunity to understand the fundamental principles of financial planning through practical examples in budget, estate planning and day-to-day finance management. The session aided in guiding and planning around the legends’ potential plans around their various projects as well as how they can start creating financial security for their families and communities.
“The true reality of financial planning is that it’s a challenging process, especially when one hasn’t previously been provided with any guidance. This workshop has helped us in understanding some concepts as well as the principles of saving which many of us still try to work towards” said Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana legend, Edward Motale.
Echoing Motale’s sentiments was former Moroka Swallows midfielder, Andries Mpondo who was part of the golden generation of players that created life-long memories for one of South Africa’s oldest clubs before his retirement in 1996. The man who holds the record for being the first goal scorer at the then newly built FNB Stadium in 1989 against Kaizer Chiefs said the module was an eye-opener for most of them who unfortunately did not have access to such sessions during their playing days.
“It is important for us to understand financial planning as our income hasn’t been fixed in our professional careers. The workshop has been enlightening for many of us and we look forward to applying what we learnt to our everyday lives” said a confident Mpondo.
The two day workshop concluded with a strong focus on Club Administration which exposed the group to the behind the scenes work that happens at a professional club.
Bidvest Wits FC head of Youth Development, Glen Salmon shared valuable insights of how he transitioned from professional football to managing a professional club’s youth structure and its challenges. The former striker’s session was incredibly valuable to the likes of Steven Sekano, Portia Modise and Fikile Sithole who are greatly involved in youth development in their respective communities.
SAFA’s Technical Director, Neil Tovey later touched on the important role of a Technical Director in a club. Tovey emphasised how important it is for Technical Directors to be aware of what the rest of the club or Association’s departments are working on. Bafana Bafana head coach, Stuart Baxter also shared his wealth of experience of coaching at both club and senior national team level. The Bafana Bafana mentor dwelled a lot on the importance of creating a healthy and enjoyable environment for players as a coach to get the best out of them.
The Club Administration session was then concluded by Highlands Park Co-Director, Brad Kaftel. The Co-Director touched on various key points in the successful operation of a professional club which included selling and buying of players, media, marketing and sponsorship management.