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“Start planning for life after football immediately you turn professional.” This is South African World Cup star Siphiwe Tshabalala’s advice to Kenyan footballers. 

The 35-year old who has enjoyed great success at both club and national team levels and is considered a Kaizer Chiefs’ legend shared the words of wisdom with Kenyan footballers during an interview with K24’s Caren Kibbett via Skype.  

“Our careers are short-lived and the money we make cannot sustain you after retirement. 

We also do not enjoy pension thus the need to start planning for life after football immediately you start turning professional.

It is also important to empower ourselves with education. Do alot of research on investment options,” Shabba, who currently plays in the Turkish Super League, said.  

He continued:  “Association is also important. People will want to be associated with you at the peak of your career so use that to your advantage. Knock doors,  send emails and do what you can to achieve your goals.”

In 2011, Shabba, had ventured into a fish and chips business that did not work and cost him financially. However, he eventually recovered and has ventured into other investments.

In a different interview, Shabba had said that there was need to get the right advice on what to invest in to ensure sustainability after retirement.

The left-winger,  who can also play on the right wing and attacking midfield, recently launched a children’s book titled ‘Super Shabba’.

The book tells the story of a young boy who overcame numerous challenges to score the most important goal in the world cup and become a super hero. 

This is Shabba’s story,  having been raised in South Africa’s Soweto slum and went on to become the first African to score the first goal in a World Cup,  as Bafana Bafana faced off with Mexico in the opener.   

“This is a book aimed at encouraging the African child to dream big and believe that they can achieve anything regardless of their background.