“It’s high time our Zimbabwean clubs develop off-pitch career guidance programmes that will emphasise on the importance of education, which remains productive during and after one’s playing days,” said Ncube, who went to America on a scholarship and now runs a number of businesses.
“Without education you are nothing in modern life and that affects even how you plan for your future while you are still playing. Soccer is also a high-risk job, where a single injury can abruptly end your playing days. In such a scenario, an educated player would have a qualification to pursue or fall back on.”
Ncube spoke from experience, as his otherwise fruitful career was cut short by injury. “I am evidence of how life should continue even after one gets injured. I was forced to take an early retirement by a terrible knee injury, but I was fortunate to have visionary people around me, like Methembe Ndlovu, who always gave me advice,” added Ncube, who in 2001 skippered all of Highlanders, Zimbabwe Under-23 and the senior national team.
Ncube also challenged former players to be open to youngsters about life. “Former players have experience of what I am talking about and should not be scared to tell these boys the truth that if you fail to go to school, making it to Europe or some of the teams in South Africa will not help you much, because you might end up in a football rubbish dump.”
Ncube used to be a household name in Zimbabwean football, after he made a meteoric rise from Highlanders juniors to win three championships with Highlanders.
Post published in: Football