And the man nicknamed ‘Killer’ for his prowess in front of goal reveals he is “comfortable” and ready to explore a new chapter on the back of a glittering career in France as well as in the Premier Soccer League.

Mphela, now 38, scored 23 goals in 53 appearances for the national team having been considered one of the deadly forwards of his generation – but he now looks forward to bringing big business for Volkswagen selling cars.

When news of his decision to sign up for an internship at the dealership broke, Mphela, as expected, was trending on social media as questions were asked regarding the fortunes he made as a footballer.

“I think it doesn’t matter how much money you have in your bank account, as long as there’s no income and it’s only coming out – eventually you will go broke. Your money must make you money, two years is a long time to sustain yourself with your savings. It’s difficult,” he said in an exclusive interview on Metro FM’s Sport Night Amplified with host Andile Ncube.

“I was one of the players earning well in this country at my peak, especially after the [FIFA] Confederations Cup. I realised I was running out of money when my shisanyama wasn’t doing well. You get people that advise you, but have bad intentions. You throw money around and you end up running out.”

Mphela dispelled the rumours that he was back home and penniless.

“I am living comfortably, but of course not earning the same money as when I was playing. I won’t live the same way, obviously. I am just an ordinary guy now. I knew there was going to be a reaction, but I believe 80 percent of the comments were positive. I did this because I’ve seen how former players struggle, but don’t want to come out of their comfort zones. I am hoping this will encourage them to venture into other things after football – there’s a stigma around this.”

Ncube then asked whether Mphela had considered becoming a coach and pursuing a license to make it at the highest level.

“We [along with former players] knocked on doors, but you never get feedback,” said a man who was also on the books of Strasbourg and Sade Reims in the French Ligue 1 between 2004 and 2006.

“We don’t know the criteria and at the end of the day you have to make a decision and put bread on the table. But coaching maybe wasn’t for me – I was not patient. I can look into it in the future.”

SAIM AYUB

Asia Cup: Imperious India cruise to seven-wicket win over Pakistan

Pakistan cruise to ODI win over South Africa

Editors Pick