Retiring from professional football is a challenge many players face, and for some, the transition can be tough. Lungisani Ndlela, former Mamelodi Sundowns striker, offers a real-life example of how to adapt to life beyond the pitch.
He works as a prison warder at Paxton Prison in Emalahleni and has encouraged football players to seek alternative employment after retiring.
Ndlela shared that transitioning from a professional footballer to a prison warder was not easy, but it gave him a sense of purpose and stability. His new role allows him to contribute to society in a meaningful way while providing for his family
In an interview with Mahlatse Mphahlele from Times LIVE, Ndlela discussed the adjustments one must make after retiring from football.
“How many players do we have out there? All of us can’t be coaches or work for our former clubs,” he said.
“Some of us work at the prison, and others must do other jobs elsewhere. You must be self-confident to be able to adapt to a new life outside your comfort zone of football.”
“You must have a different mentality. If you don’t do that it will be difficult because people are used to seeing you on TV playing football. They see someone playing football for top teams and the national teams where you were earning a lot of money.”
“But you are at a normal day job where you are not earning as much as you got as a player. I was welcomed with open arms, and they were happy to see me from top management.”
“I humbled myself to integrate with the people here and earn a living for my family.”
Lungisani Ndlela certainly highlights a valid point, as numerous stories exist of players facing difficulties in life after football. This reality prompted the PSL to implement measures aimed at curtailing that trend.
His journey highlights the need for structured support for players after their careers. The PSL Transition Programme, launched in 2022, seeks to provide just that by helping players prepare for life beyond football.
THE PSL TRANSITION PROGRAMME
This initiative aims to empower current players with the essential tools for their success after retirement.
“The programme, a collaborative initiative between Multichoice and the PSL, in partnership with the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), provides players with opportunities where they will attend in-person classes, online classes, and training sessions that focus on personal development, career planning, financial management, and entrepreneurship.
“Through these activities, players are encouraged to explore their interests and passions outside of football and to identify potential career paths that align with their skills and aspirations.”
The program has seen enrolled players graduate in 2022 and 2024. They were given a window of opportunity to explore feasible steps they can take to ensure they can transition to life after football.
It is Graduation Day! 🎓🎓🎓
The class of 2024 Player Transition Program has arrived at Gordon Institute of Business Science as we celebrate them today. pic.twitter.com/exUwlJFWwm
— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) March 20, 2024
In the footsteps of Lungisani Ndlela, who played for clubs such as Moroka Swallows, Mamelodi Sundowns, and SuperSport United, what other career paths can footballers pursue after retirement?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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