CAPE TOWN — Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa has called on football players to actively prepare for their post-playing careers by learning the business aspects of football and its supporting ecosystems.

According to South African Government News Agency, Speaking at the International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPRO) General Assembly in Cape Town on Tuesday, Minister Kodwa addressed the challenges faced by footballers when transitioning from playing to post-playing careers. He highlighted the increasing need for support during this critical phase. FIFPRO, according to the Minister, plays a crucial role in empowering its members through capacity building, which should be a high priority and a deliberate process.

Kodwa pointed out that while some top clubs globally have successfully integrated former players into their coaching and management structures, many players still find themselves without direction post-retirement. He emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for former players, especially those from regions outside the football capitals of Europe and Asia, to remain active in the sport and earn a livelihood after their playing days are over.

The Minister also touched on the various avenues open to retired footballers, including coaching or management roles within football, media industry careers as analysts, commentators, or writers, and entrepreneurship.

Addressing the issue of racism in football, Minister Kodwa urged FIFPRO to contribute to the fight against racism, citing a report that showed racism as the most reported form of discrimination in the sport. He mentioned the concerning increase in racist incidents, both in-person and online, as reported by Kick It Out, an organization dedicated to combating discrimination in football. The 2022-2023 season saw a 65 percent increase in incidents reported to Kick It Out compared to the previous season, with racism accounting for nearly half of all cases. The Minister also noted the rise in online abuse and sexist behavior or misogyny in football. He stressed that sport should be a unifying force contributing to social cohesion rather than a source of division.

Kick It Out, established in 1993 to fight racism in football, expanded its mandate in 1997 to address all forms of discrimination.