KUALA LUMPUR – Several footballers in Malaysia struggle with transitioning from a football career to a new one after retiring from playing professionally. However, there are some who succeeded to score in life, even after their time on the field has ended.
Speaking to Scoop, Malaysian football legend Datuk Dell Akbar Khan said nowadays players need to have strategic thinking and careful preparation in order to transition from their football careers.
He said that young local players should prioritise gaining proper education so that they know what to do with their lives after their football careers end.
“Local players, especially young football players, should focus on their education first and carry it through before they begin their careers in football. But beyond that, the players must plan their career path.
“Our players will struggle without a solid education; the players must be very clear on what they are going to do.”
“The players should not only depend on their playing career but also equip themselves with the current evolution of football, such as coaching, data analysis, fitness development, etc.”
“During my time, players like Zainal Abidin Hassan and Irfan Bakti knew how to evolve themselves – we didn’t just focus on football, but also on coaching and other aspects of our careers.
“That’s why you see Zainal, Irfan, and Dollah Salleh still coaching even though they have reached their 60s and 70s.”
“Football is all about the survival of the fittest; your playing career alone is not enough,” said the former Kuala Lumpur police chief.
Former defender Datuk Santokh Singh, who played a significant role in Malaysia’s qualification for the 1980 Moscow Olympics, shared a similar sentiment, saying that young local footballers should focus more on investing their salaries in something productive than on extravagant elements of life.
“Our local footballers need to know how to manage their money well and prioritise their salary. They should invest in essential things like property instead of overspending on luxury items such as sports cars.
“I know it’s their right to do whatever they want with the money they earn, but they should also learn not to complain behind the back once they are left with no money due to their overspending attitude,” said the former Selangor player.
Meanwhile, former national footballer Reuben Kathiripillai, who played for the national team between 2011 and 2014, said that he has been giving job opportunities to former national football to support their livelihood after their post-footballing careers.
“I’m currently playing for Harini FC in the M3 League. Additionally, I’m running several coaching programs for young footballers in Kajang and various parts of KL.
“So far, I have provided job opportunities to former national footballers to coach and train young kids. This allows them to pass on their vast footballing knowledge to the younger generation.
“It’s sad to see that many of the players I have played with during my time in the national team are struggling to make a living. I have been doing my best to help them rejuvenate their livelihoods by involving them in coaching programs.
“I was fortunate enough to plan my post-football career ahead, and I hope that current local footballers do not repeat the mistakes made by my teammates. They should seriously consider this matter by managing their earnings wisely.
“Football careers are relatively short, so it is crucial for our national players to plan for life after the game. This can be done through education, vocational training, or pursuing other interests they are passionate about,” said Reuben.
In 2020, former national footballer Muhamad Khalid Jamlus became the latest victim of national footballers struggling to earn a livelihood. He was forced to auction his Golden Boot Award, which he won after finishing as the top scorer for Perak in the 2002/2003 Malaysia Premier League with 17 goals.
The former Perak and Selangor striker was unemployed for three years, and his contract as an assistant coach for the Royal Malaysia Police was not extended.
The sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, bought the Golden Boot at a price agreed upon by both parties. The award was then placed in the Selangor football gallery located on the palace grounds of Istana Alam Shah. – September 6, 2023