Key Takeaways
- • The South African Football Players Union (SAFPU) is reportedly in the final stages of finalising an agreement with a corporate scheme to establish a pension fund for professional footballers, according to SABC Sport.
- • Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns legend Benson Mhlongo called the initiative a significant milestone, given professional careers typically last about 15 years.
- • Standard pension access between ages 60 and 65 raises questions about whether the proposed scheme can provide sufficient retirement income for players with short careers.
- • Mhlongo argued the immediate priority is launching the scheme, with improvements expected from member feedback once it is operational.
Summary
The South African Football Players Union (SAFPU) is on the verge of establishing a pension fund scheme for professional footballers in South Africa. According to SABC Sport, the union is in the final stages of finalising an agreement with a corporate scheme that would allow players to benefit from a pension fund providing financial security after retirement. The article does not disclose the size, contribution structure, or the name of the corporate scheme.
Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns legend Benson Mhlongo, speaking to KickOff, welcomed the initiative. He described it as a wonderful step for footballers, noting that a playing career lasts about 15 years at most and that many players know little beyond the game. Mhlongo said the SAFPU had long pursued such a scheme but that it proved difficult because of the number of years players work. He added that the government's grants for mothers with children showed the case for supporting those who make the sport possible.
The proposal raises a structural question. Under normal employment, pension benefits are generally accessed around retirement age of 60 to 65, whereas footballers often have playing careers spanning only 15 to 20 years. The article notes this raises questions about whether the proposed scheme would provide sufficient financial support, though Mhlongo did not directly address the adequacy of benefits.
Mhlongo's position was that the immediate priority is getting the scheme started rather than perfecting its terms. He said that feedback from early operation would allow the scheme to improve, and that having a vehicle in place is necessary before corrections can be made. He compared the development to the growth of professional football itself, which he said began with little money before developing into a significant commercial industry. He is a former Bafana Bafana defender.
Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns legend Benson Mhlongo, speaking to KickOff, welcomed the initiative. He described it as a wonderful step for footballers, noting that a playing career lasts about 15 years at most and that many players know little beyond the game. Mhlongo said the SAFPU had long pursued such a scheme but that it proved difficult because of the number of years players work. He added that the government's grants for mothers with children showed the case for supporting those who make the sport possible.
The proposal raises a structural question. Under normal employment, pension benefits are generally accessed around retirement age of 60 to 65, whereas footballers often have playing careers spanning only 15 to 20 years. The article notes this raises questions about whether the proposed scheme would provide sufficient financial support, though Mhlongo did not directly address the adequacy of benefits.
Mhlongo's position was that the immediate priority is getting the scheme started rather than perfecting its terms. He said that feedback from early operation would allow the scheme to improve, and that having a vehicle in place is necessary before corrections can be made. He compared the development to the growth of professional football itself, which he said began with little money before developing into a significant commercial industry. He is a former Bafana Bafana defender.
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