Former Kaizer Chiefs striker Shaun Permall is not happy with the way former players are being treated in South Africa.
Permall says buying a pair of soccer boots in South Africa has become tough as sports brands forget about them as soon as they hang up their boots.
"I'm not saying things must be exactly like they were before, you can't expect that, but it must not be forgotten that we served the people, and we served the sports brands," he opens up to KickOff.
READ: Billiat's fortunes finally turn?
"I think football and everybody involved in it has discarded us professional players.
"I wanted to do a coaching course, SAFPU paid for my D Licence. The C Licence cost something like R2 500 in South Africa, and nowadays it's probably R5 000 or something. Because I have a full-time job, I can maybe go and pay for it, but other former players can't. They might not have the money that is required.
"B Licence costs something between R15 000 and R20 000, it can be even more. The guys that own the CAF A, B, or C licences are not necessarily the best coaches.
"But us, the guys that have played, our understanding of the game is better. I think ex-pros can give more to football in South Africa. I think SAFA must start utilizing us better," he continued.
Permall went on to detail the struggles associated with a former player in South Africa.
"Nowadays I even struggle to buy boots for myself and my son, I can't even get a discount, because for that to happen I need to first have a connection with somebody.
"Look, for an ex-pro, that shouldn't even be an issue. For instance, there is a guy here in Cape Town who never even played soccer, but every time Puma releases a new soccer boot, he gets a pair for free.
"Maybe he knows somebody or something there, they could be sponsoring him with the latest boots.
"And there's an academy, each time they buy something from Puma, they get 40% off. I can't even do that!
"People should not get me wrong, I am not looking for handouts, you don't have to give me stuff. I coach at the amateur level, I'm coaching underprivileged kids, but each time I buy myself a pair of soccer boots, I end up passing them to one of them.
READ: PSL confirm Nedbank Cup semi-final fixtures
"All these brands should take the blame for this. How do we get around this? What is the solution for something like this?
"It's not worth it to be in football anymore, so I'd rather keep myself way out of it."
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
Click HERE to register!
