The PSL cares about players – Ramahlwe Mphahlele

The 34-year-old this week graduated alongside several of his counterparts at the Gordon Institute of Business Science [GIBS].

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It’s an initiative chairman Irvin Khoza helped launch two years ago on the back of concerns that footballers struggled to adapt into their next chapter, and having spent three months in learning mode Mphahlele reflected on his personal experience.

''The programme has been very impactful, we have learnt a lot here at Gibs - Just  want to thank the PSL, it shows that they care about us, our life after retirement. But is also up to us to apply what we have learnt,'' said Mphahlele.

Mphahlele began his professional career at 17 and the former Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs captain admits the responsibility is on the players to use their skill at GIBS to their advantage.

The centre back admits it wasn’t always easy to juggle his duties at AmaZulu and spending countless hours in class.

''We had a lot of online classes, sometimes you are coming from training and you had to sit in front of the laptop which is not our strongest point, but we had to do what we had to do to complete this course and proud of the guys and I am proud of myself,'' added Mphahlele.

Mphahlele also addressed the notion that footballers battle with feeling entitled, hence he already has plans in motion to prepare for his retirement days.

''I think education is important, as footballers it is important to equip ourselves with education - when you look for a job you would know you have qualification in hand,'' he concluded.

Mphahlele hopes the GIBS initiative will dispel the perception that PSL players have no interest in business, investments and saving money.