The Premier Soccer League has launched a new ‘Player Transition Programme’ aimed at contracted players between the ages of 28 and 35.
The league confirmed the programme at a press conference held on 5 January that was also used to announce the teams for the DStv Compact Cup later this month.
The programme is set to help players make the transition to a life after a professional football career, and to better equip them for post retirement.
“The realization by players at the end of their career that they did not adequately provide for the next 35 years is usually too little too late,” PSL Chairman Dr Irvin Khoza said at the press conference.
“At that time all advisors that encouraged some of the self destructive behaviors, they have moved on to start with a new set of unsuspecting young prospects.
“The mere existence of the peer transition program will make all the players awake to the plight.
“The choice of the prestigious Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) as the curriculum partner is to ensure that the qualification helps them plug into the economy without question.”
The programme will start this year for players nominated by their clubs, and who will be contracted at their respective clubs for the 2022/2023 season.
“This is a pilot project that all parties involved will study to ensure that the ultimate program is fine tuned for efficiency and effectiveness,” Dr Khoza continued.
“I envision the infusion of role modeling and mentorship that will help the players know what is out there so that they start taking an interest and cultivating a closeness with the field they are best suited to transition to.
“My gratitude to Multichoice group for championing this life changing initiative. Here is to the future of our players.”
