Many sports personalities the world over have struggled financially after leaving their sport.

The picture is most dire in Zimbabwe where former athletes have nothing but only their knocks to show for their effort during their heyday. Lucky ones have gone into exile to do all sorts of odd jobs for a living.

Former Warrior’s goalkeeper Pernell McKop’s story is therefore a breath of fresh air and one that today’s young athletes ought to emulate.

McKop exudes pride in being part of Just4Keepers but doesn’t forget how lucky he is to have achieved this feat.  He is one of only a few former Zimbabwean athletes who have met any bit of success in their retirement. He rues the opportunities for investment he missed during his playing days.

“If I had to do anything differently I probably would have moved to South Africa earlier and made a niche for myself at a younger age as you have more opportunities here if you have a name.

“But its damn hard work earning a living from being a professional coach or trying to venture outside the sphere of football. If you are well connected it's a little easier but the scope for this is time,” McKop says.

But many former Zimbabwean athletes have not been this lucky. This is attributable to the lack of advice and foresight. 
What would he do given another start?

“I would invest it in what I'm doing now in the development of goalkeepers through my company Just4Keepers. The potential is great but without investment you earn a meagre living. As I said it is not easy, but with the little reputation I've built up here it does help.”

The catchword is investment. Most active athletes never invest in their future and live like paupers in their retirement. But unfortunately, even the few who did invest met not much success. 

“I remember my childhood friend the late Lucky Dube, former Dynamos goalkeeper, who started his own import and export company, using his name and connections made from football to have a thriving business but it did not last too long,” said McKop.

Most yesteryear heroes give the excuse that sport in Zimbabwe did not pay as it was semi-professional. But most of them had full time jobs elsewhere but did not think it necessary to invest in their days after retirement. 

Today times have changed and sport has become big business with athletes raking in not only fame, but fortune as well. The veterans have lots of advice for today’s athletes. They feel given another opportunity, they would certainly not walk the same paths as before.

Former Dynamos FC defender Stanley Chirambare, who won the 1989 and 1991 championships, thinks he would put his money to good use by investing in a youth academy and buying immovable properties.

Unlike most footballers of his time, he had a reasonable education having studied up to GCSE Advanced Level. He played for Dynamos FC between 1986 and 1991 doubling as a tax officer with the revenue authority.

“Being a star requires plenty of discipline, proper management of time while in the limelight. I would also invest in my education if I was still playing,” said the man they called Samora because of his beard and afro hair style which they likened to that of the late Mozambican president Machel. - nyikamagazine.co.zw