Former Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns star George Lebese opened up about the difficulties of life after professional football.
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The story
Although he hasn't officially retired from the beautiful game, George Lebese has spoken about the challenges he’s faced in trying to build a life after football.
Lebese, who's been without a club since parting ways with the Colorado Switchbacks in 2021, has over 160 PSL top-flight appearances with a total of 46 goal contributions between his time at Amakhosi and less successful stints at Sundowns and SuperSport United.
Now aged 36, it’s hard to imagine a way back into the Betway Premiership for Lebese, and in his interview on the Apex Sports Podcast, he detailed the realities he’s had to face beyond the game.
Lebese is now a proud owner of a boutique streetwear brand, Assets Clothing, and has tried his hand in the construction industry as well as hospitality in the recent past.
When asked if he ever properly thought about preparing for a life away from the game, Lebese admitted, "No, you get caught up too much in the high of being a footballer and most players think they can just play forever."
"To be honest with you, as a soccer player, your life starts after you stop playing. Because you transition from the comfort of being a professional footballer to having to go fend for yourself.
"Now you have this name, all of these medals, but they do nothing for you. Now you’re going to have to live, you have children and a family, you have to support them, and things will never be the same," said Lebese.
"This is what gets our footballers, and the legends have preached this for years. Make a plan while you're still playing to sustain your life because once you retire, life is not going to be the same as what it was during your playing days," he added.
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