SA Athletics legend Khotso Mokoena launches a new program to educate athletes

Currently serving as the Chairman of the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC), Mokoena launched the Development of Athletes & Youth Program, also referred to as T.day, in Johannesburg on Saturday evening.

The 2008 Olympic silver-medalist was the sole medalist representing Team South Africa at the Beijing Olympic Games in China, receiving a generous reward of R1-million from the South African government. 

Unfortunately, lacking proper guidance and understanding of the business realm at the time, the lanky jumper invested his reward into two unsuccessful business ventures in the property and rental sector as well as the food industry.

Mokoena believes his new initiative, which offers free training and educational assistance to athletes, will better equip current future stars to make sound financial decisions and effectively invest their earnings from the sport.

"I started this program with the primary objective of nurturing athletes beyond their sporting endeavours, assisting them in discovering their career paths and paving the way for their post-competitive journeys," explained the 38-year-old to SABC Sport.

"We have witnessed numerous athletes struggle due to their lack of necessary skills. Our intention is to support them in becoming well-rounded individuals, capable of venturing into the business world, securing employment, and acquiring essential skills."

He firmly believes that many athletes struggle financially three years after retirement due to ill-advised financial choices, and thoughtfully came up with a solution after calling time on his own career three years ago.

"This idea was planted in my mind upon retirement in 2020. I planned and assembled a team of like-minded individuals, including athletes, dedicated to empowering and fostering a brighter future for them through training, mentoring, and collaboration," he added.

"And we have already established a comprehensive database eagerly awaiting the commencement of our courses."

Mokoena further encouraged athletes who strike it big to seek financial assistance from mentors and advisors at T.day, completely free of charge. 

"They can become members without any financial burdens, as these courses are sponsored for the sole benefit of the athletes," he explained. 

"To join T.day, they simply need to register through www.yasdi.co.za – a subsidiary specifically designed to cater to athletes and introduce them to our services."