COSAFA General Secretary Sue Destombes has urged young players in Southern Africa to plan for their future and avoid becoming destitute upon retirement.

The call was made at a workshop organised by the association and its sponsors, Mopani Copper Mines, Kwese Sports and AQUASAVANA.

“We are not only looking at football on the field but also off the field. We are all about development. With the support of our sponsors, Mopani Copper Mines, we sat down and came up with ways of how we can pay back to the community and we thought about this workshop,” Destombes said.

“Even when you have a manager or financial adviser, you need to know some fundamentals of how to manage your money. You are a brand. You own a brand.”

Ecobank (Zambia) commercial manager Theo Tembo, who was among the facilitators of the workshop, said it was important for players to start saving when they are at their peak.

“At the age of 21, you have to make critical decisions about your life. You have to know what you want to become when to spend and save. Even as a footballer, do not be limited. Think outside the box. You can be a banker. You can even be studying and become a lawyer,” Tembo said.

The event was also attended by 2012 Africa Cup of Nations winner Nyambe Mulenga and Zambian football legend Emmy Musonda, who shared their career experiences with the junior players who were present.

Musonda advised the players that the key to success in their careers was hard work and discipline. – COSAFA