We all know what happens during football stardom: the games, gruelling training, money… But what happens when the ‘party’ is over? With physically challenging careers that end well before an office job and the many demands placed on footballers; precious few know what life is like after retirement for footballers.
Spain and LaLiga have their answers – and they’re bringing them to South Africa.
In an exciting first for South Africa, South African Masters and Legends Football Association (SAMLFA), the Embassy of Spain and Spanish football league LaLiga, in association with the University of South Africa (UNISA) will launch the UNISA-SAMLFA Empowerment and Capacity-Building Programme.
Designed specifically to aid former and retiring pro footballers, the programme will equip professional players of all backgrounds, gender and age with education to fully empower them. This will be done in a variety of ways for participants, from soccer clinics and opportunities to further their knowledge through numerous workshops and learning programmes.
Another heartening aspect of the programme will be its specific emphasis on women’s football and building their capacity in addition to their confidence within the sport.
Even better, the initiative was started by Spanish football legend Fernando Sanz, who spoke at its launch event. Sanz is an ideal role model for proving that there is life after professional football.
Born in Madrid, Fernando Sanz began his football career at the tender age of 9, fulfilling a long and successful career at the highest level – Sanz gained fame playing for legendary Spanish league sides, Real Madrid and Malaga CF, respectively. His career saw him participate in more than 200 official games.
During his time as a player, Sanz used his time on the field to fuel a new direction in life as he immediately because president of Málaga Club de Fútbol right after his retirement from his sports career.
Looking at the former Spanish youth international’s career, Sanz is a paragon to current and former players that you can still be in love with football but operating in the important capacity of mentor and inspiration.
Currently, Sanz heads LaLiga’s Ambassadors and Legends Programme and all attendees were privileged to hear him share his experiences at the programme’s launch.
The programme was launched on 14 November at Unisa’s Muckleneuk in Pretoria. All those wanting further information can contact Kele Moruane at 012 441 5886 or moruakt@unisa.ac.za