The South African Football Players Union is handing out-of-contract players a lifeline as they will be looking to get deals in the new season.
Following a season which has had hiccups due to the Coronavirus pandemic, and with some clubs being sold to different owners and relocating, a number of players will find themselves without contracts now that the 2019/20 season has come to an end.
In their way of assisting the players, SAFPU has come up with a plan to help them to remain fit by setting up a training camp.
SAFPU have issued a statement with the details of how the camp is going to work:
SAFPU hosts 'Out Of Contract' Players Training Camp in Pretoria
The words 'out of contract' to any footballer is not words of comfort. Not knowing if you'll be scooped up by another club or what the future holds is daunting, couple that with the effects of Covid-19 and the situation can be described as dire.
The South African Football Players Union wants to be the change by unlocking hope through the 2020 edition of the 'Out of Contract' Players Training Camp, giving 25 players the platform to reach their fitness level, be coached by the accredited coaching staff, guided on future moves when joining a new club, mental health issues through our partners Lifeline as well as player-related matters. The 14 days will be more than just a training camp...
"There will be friendly games played with a few PSL and GladAfrica teams. Scouts, coaches as well as media are welcome to go down memory lane with us. I'm sure we will agree on the immense talent pool that we have in football in South Africa. We hope we do these players justice. We want to inspire, motivate and offer a space where 'out of contract' players can believe in themselves again. This is our hope," Nhlanhla Shabalala, SAFPU Secretary General.
The training camp will commence on the 12th September and run until 26th September 2020. Amidst level 2 regulations all players will be tested for the Corona Virus and screened daily with social distancing and sanitizing protocols adhered to. For the duration of the camp the facilities will be sanitized, ensuring that the environment is safe for everyone. All players will be asked to remain in the mini 'bubble' till end of camp.
"We have hosted other camps of this nature before and they were a great success and we look forward to hosting our first ever camp with the women footballers very soon. SAFPU exists to defend the rights of footballers and this does not mean only those who are in contract. We want to uplift ALL footballers In South Africa male and female," SAFPU President Thulaganyo Gaoshubelwe.
