In the fast-paced and often unpredictable world of professional football, a career at the top can be brief. While the spotlight shines on those who make it to the top, the reality is that for many football players, their playing days will eventually end.
For some Zambian Super League (ZSL) players, hanging up their boots doesn’t necessarily mean the end of their careers. An increasing number of players are choosing to equip themselves with academic qualifications, ensuring they have options beyond the pitch.
Bolanews lists a few examples of our local stars who have equipped themselves with academic papers for a possible future outside the beautiful game.
Scott Ngokene: Kabwe Warriors (Goalkeeper) – Tailor
The Kabwe Warriors shot stopper prides at being a skilled tailor. Ngokene has a certificate in tailoring and design from Kinshasa’s Elikya College.
Should he choose to leave the football world altogether, he may just open a tailoring shop near you. He definitely has something to fall back on, even after his football days are over.
Moses Muzumara: Konkola Blades (Midfielder) – Chemical Engineer
Moses Muzumara is a creative midfielder for Konkola Blades who also holds a degree in chemical engineering from Copperbelt University (CBU).
After his football career, the former Power Dynamos midfielder has the option to pursue a career in engineering or use his knowledge to start his own sports science business.
Lazarious Chishimba: Forest Rangers (Midfielder) – Heavy Duty Equipment Repairer
Lazarious Chishimba is a hardworking midfielder for the Forest Rangers who is also a qualified heavy-duty equipment repairer.
Chishimba obtained his qualifications from Northern Technical College. He did his industrial attachment at Lwanshya’s CLM Mine for a good eight months.
“You know there is life after football and not everyone will become coaches when they retire. So if I don’t become a coach, I have my paper waiting for me when I retire,” he said.
Charles Muntanga: Nkwazi (Goalkeeper) – Teacher
If you are looking for someone to tutor your kids following the prolonged re-opening of schools, trust Charles Muntanga for the job.
Muntanga is a safe pair of hands for Nkwazi Football Club and is also a qualified teacher and trained police officer.
After his football career, Muntanga, a former junior Chipolopolo international, has the option to return to the classroom or use his experience to start his own coaching academy.
These are just a few examples of the many Zambian Super League players who are combining their footballing careers with their academic pursuits.
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These players are paving the way for a new generation of football players who are well-rounded individuals with options beyond the pitch.
However, It is important to note that not all footballers need to have a tertiary education to be successful after their playing days.
