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Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
A leading insurance and investment company has appointed veteran soccer coach Cosmas ‘Tsano’ Zulu as its brand ambassador in a move aimed at helping players to invest wisely.
Old Mutual wants to encourage footballers to invest in their future by offering policies that will guarantee their upkeep after retirement.
“It’s always a sad sight to see former players leading a life of poverty while others die as paupers yet during their playing days, they make substantial amounts of money,” said Old Mutual Bulawayo marketing manager Thomas Tholana.
“We note that they lack advice on how to prepare for life after football. We know Zulu is a respected football person so we want him to use his influence to encourage these guys to plan for their future.”
He said some players think it’s too expensive to invest, yet the reality of not investing is too scary to contemplate.
Zulu said he was honoured to be involved in efforts to help cushion footballers’ future after the game.
“It usually pains me when a footballer dies a pauper and I’ve seen that on numerous occasions. We know players have died leading very sorry lives, living on handouts from supporters.
“Such assistance ends once the player dies leaving the family without anything or anyone to look after them,” said Zulu.
He said he would be engaging a number of football clubs advising them on the importance of taking up investment policies with Old Mutual.
“We might not have taken any investments as players but I don’t want these boys to make the same mistake. They spend a lot of money on useless things like airtime, beer and girls, forgetting about their future. I’ve checked the policies available and it costs totally nothing compared to what these boys get as bonuses and even salaries,” said Zulu.
Once they stop playing, ex-players find themselves in serious financial challenges with no one to turn to for help. Some even face homelessness as a result of bad financial choices during their playing days.
Online Reporter