Young and older generations coming out wiser from the PSL Transition Programme

Mofokeng was one of the 26 players from different Premier Division clubs, who graduated with a qualification from the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) in Johannesburg on Wednesday.

READ: Playing youngsters not just for optics – Rulani Mokwena

Launched in 2022, the PSL Player Transition Programme was designed to empower football players to thrive beyond their playing careers. Mofokeng shares some of the important lessons he’s learned from this programme.

''I think it is more of a balancing thing between football and education, I grew up on this for 5 years. I will keep on growing and learning.

''I learnt a lot about how to manage myself,'' said Mofokeng.

The PSL Player Transition Programme addresses some of the longstanding concerns of financial insecurity among retiring footballers, it equips players with essential skills for managing finances effectively and transitioning smoothly into new careers.

With a stigma of footballers struggling to retire well and sustain themselves long after they have retired, former Bafana Bafana captain Thulani “Tyson” Hlatshwayo and SuperSport United defender believes that this programme has got all the solutions.

 ''This was a good initiative, it started last year and this is a second group. It has been a wonderful experience not only for senior players as they transition toward retirement but it also includes youngsters,'' said Hlatshwayo.

The Transition programme is now in its second year and it’s got a comprehensive curriculum that covers business fundamentals, information technology, financial management, and leadership skills.

The class was a mix of experienced and youthful players and Mofokeng says they have learned a lot from the older players during their deliberations in class and believes that his business plans have received a boost through this programme.

''It was a learning process , learning from senior players and it was about starting businesses and now I think I'm ready to execute,'' added Mofokeng.

The Transition programme is broken down into five modules which include Leading and Managing Self, Business Fundamentals, Financial Resilience, Project Management, and Business Simulation.

Most of the older players highlighted that this is a programme they would have loved to be involved with when they started playing. A 19-year-old like Mofokeng says this works to their benefit.

The programme starts with a pre-programme and closes with a career transitioning strategy which also includes CV writing, developing an online profile, and souring alternative opportunities.

The programme also affords the players with one-on-one and group coaching elements, and this is one area Hlatshwayo enjoyed a lot.