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Fungai Muderere
HE has seen it all, done it all and who better than former Highlanders, Caps United, Maritzburg United and Cape Umoya star Gabriel “Granvia” Nyoni can warn fellow players about falling into the football limelight during their twilight, only to retire destitute?
The story of rags to riches and back to rags has been told countless times, when talking about the lives of footballers. Unfortunately, as the saying goes ‘they never learn’. Nyoni has listed what he believes are some of the major factors that turn footballers from lives of luxury to poverty.
Nyoni has been finding solace in several business projects that include a deep cleaning company in Cape Town, South Africa, as he pursues his other dream of becoming a fulltime businessman in the neighbouring country.
After graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce Honours degree in Marketing from university, he ventured into entrepreneurship in 2016 when he launched his brand ‘GN27’, which specialised in perfumes and clothing. Below, he takes a quick look at seven reasons why local footballers usually goes from riches to rags.
1. Dubious agents.
It’s sad to note that there are agents who benefit more from the player than the player himself, for the rest of his career. This comes with lack of knowledge in terms of reading finer prints of contracts.
2. Alcohol and drugs. Sadly, most soccer players abuse drugs, yes drugs. Some smoke weed three hours before the game. The money that is supposed to be saved for the future is used to buy drugs and lots of alcohol.
3. Meagre salaries.
This is specifically for Zimbabwe’s local footballers. A soccer player in Zimbabwe earns an average of US$ 300 (R6 000). How much can you possibly save for your future on this? Probably nothing.
4. Getting debt that goes way beyond your playing career and salary. Because of pressure to live according to people’s mental expectations, players end up getting car credits and mortgages that are way too expensive.
5. Financial illiteracy
Money is a language, money is a currency that needs a lot of understanding on how to make it work for you and earn passive income. In most if not all cases, most players don’t have this.
6. First common one is women.
Choosing women based on how they look more than what they can bring to the table. During your playing days, you don’t do a lot of looking around when they come to you. Lack of wisdom will tell you it’s because you are special, and you fall into the trap.
7. Divorce.
On this, there is no need to explain further. It’s self-explanatory.
Online Reporter