The football sports fraternity, as well as the corporate community came together at the Park Hyatt Hotel in Rosebank last week in support of the partnership announcement by South African Football Players Union (SAFPU) and Old Mutual.
This partnership brings to an end SAFPU’s long search for a reputable financial institution to assist their players on understanding the importance of financial literacy. The partnership between South African Football Players Union (SAFPU) and Old Mutual comes at a time when there is a crying need for players to learn how to manage their personal finances, accrue wealth and achieve financial fitness.
“The Union is very excited about this partnership with Old Mutual. The challenges facing our players are well documented. For far too long our players have been disenfranchised by the lack of knowledge on issues such as finance, which has had a devastating impact on their future. With Old Mutual’s ‘On the Money’ Financial Education Programme we can look forward to a financially wiser generation of footballers,” said President of SAFPU, Mr Hareipha “Simba” Marumo.
This programme will be rolled out to all South Africa’s professional football bodies i.e. PSL, NFD, Bafana Bafana, Banyana Banyana and all our national teams. There will also be a huge push to reach development centres, schools as well as communities. The programme will also cover topics such as safe lifestyles, understanding business, being an outstanding citizen (and role model) and includes a mentorship and development module for up-and-coming footballers.
Mr Bongani Madikiza, Managing Director of Old Mutual’s Retail Mass Foundation cluster, says, “By concluding this partnership with SAFPU, we are able to promote financial fitness awareness. As a leading savings and investment champion, Old Mutual brings financial expertise to the party. We are confident that our practical ‘On the Money’ programme and others will not only help players while their solid sporting careers are on the go, but will also ensure that they make wise investment choices for the longer term so that they can look ahead to do great things once they retire from soccer.”
SAFPU also announced a first for the Union, the launch of SAFPU TV. ‘It is crucial for an organisation of our stature to be able to communicate effectively with our members. This platform will also be able to give insight into the role of the Union as well as how it intends to leave a lasting legacy by mapping out a brighter future for South African players. We also want to build a reputation for working well with other football stakeholders i.e. SAFA & NSL. SAFPU is part of the football community and it’s important for the Union to work well with all football stakeholders.’
