Former Manning Rangers and Bafana Bafana striker George Koumantarakis enjoyed a chat with Soccer Laduma's Fan Park to speak about his playing days and more...
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What's the story?
George Koumantarakis, a striker that many will remember in the colours of Manning Rangers in the late 90s and for Bafana Bafana in the early 2000s — got candid about his football career and being a businessman.
Koumantarakis, who called quits on his football career in his early 30's, recounted his days at Manning Rangers, his reasons for retiring when he did and his views on purchasing and changing status trend in South African football.
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Let's take a closer look...
Koumantarakis on football and business
Former Manning Rangers, FC Basel and Preston North-End centre forward, George Koumantarakis reflected on his relatively short football career and one of the more unforgettable teams he was apart of.
Koumantarakis announced himself in the South African top flight by helping the Mighty Maulers win the inaugural PSL league title in the 1996/97 season under Gordon Igesund.
He finished second behind Umthatha Bucks' Wilfred Mugeyi (22 goals) in the top goal scorers list that season with 17 goals and went on to join SuperSport United the following campaign, where he was the top bags-man.
"The best description of it [Manning Rangers' league triumph] is likening it to Leicester City winning the Premier League. We were a small club, never reached higher than mid-table at any point prior to that inaugural PSL win. We were a good bunch of guys who fought for each other and were really fit. We really worked hard and worked as a team and I think that was the blueprint on why we were successful," says Koumantarakis.
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The Greek-born, Durban-raised businessman also appreciated the family values the Mighty Maulers had: "It was an amazing time, a family-based club. It was run like a family, so no millionaires there, we had good comradery and everyone worked hard for each other," he added.
It's been nearly two decades since the former PSL Golden Boot winner hung up his boots, having played for seven clubs and making 12 appearances for Bafana Bafana and was included in the 2002 FIFA World Cup squad.
Koumantarakis boasts a BCom Law degree from the University of KwaZulu-Natal according to his LinkedIn, he's currently the Director of Logan Golf International.
"Education was a very big thing and when I was trying to become a professional footballer, my family was always insisting that studies come first," it helped George in the long run, as he saw himself more than just a baller:
"I never saw myself as just a footballer, I always saw myself as a businessman and that was ultimately what I wanted to achieve, which I am doing now. With the football career, it was the sport I loved and played and was very good at, it turned out to be very profitable. From that point of view, I loved it.
"But, the minute I had the opportunity to move on and transition, I took it. I had been investing in a family business, while I was making my money overseas and as soon as I saw the opportunity where my career was waning, and the business opportunities were very good, I decided to stop and retire early.
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