SAFPU closing in on pension fund scheme for PSL players

Carelse, a former Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana midfielder, currently serves as SAFPU’s welfare coordinator and has been actively involved in efforts to help players plan for life after football.

Speaking to the public broadcaster, Carelse outlined the progress made towards the initiative.

"I think this is something that is long overdue because when I was a player this was something we were yearning for. We are very close to setting up a pension fund for professional footballers in the country and this is going to change South African football for the better."

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Carelse urged footballers to see this as a long-term investment. 

He added that the issue has increasingly come up during SAFPU’s visits to clubs, with players raising questions about pension provisions alongside other welfare matters.

With mental health previously a taboo subject in sport, Carelse confirmed partnering up with experts to assist PSL players in this regard. 

"You are always told 'You are a man, pull up your socks and wipe your tears away'. Things are a bit different now because people are more willing to open up, but it's difficult for footballers considering all the pressure to perform at a certain level week in and week out, whilst worrying about things like looking after your family and even 'black tax'."