Ex-Cranes Stars Launch Foundation for Retired Footballers

A collective of seasoned Ugandan footballers, including veterans who represented the national team and prominent clubs like Express and Police, have joined forces to create the Former Footballers Seniors Foundation. This initiative is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of retired players and equipping current footballers with the foresight to prepare for life beyond the pitch.

The foundation, which primarily comprises former players aged 60 and above, has also rolled out a “Football Back in the Community” project. This project is designed to provide essential support to former players in their golden years, addressing issues of financial hardship and isolation that often follow the end of a professional career.

During a recent reunion in Wakiso, foundation chairperson and former Cranes player Paul Sali, widely known as Gogolimbo, highlighted the significant challenges many footballers face after retiring. “We want to bring former footballers together so that we can support those who feel abandoned after serving the country through football,” Sali stated, emphasizing the goal of helping colleagues overcome post-retirement poverty.

Sali also issued a direct appeal to active players, urging them to utilize their playing careers to build a foundation for the future. “Footballers should know that there is life after football. They need to prepare themselves because there are many challenges after retirement,” he advised.

The foundation has already begun offering tangible assistance, including medical aid and educational support for the children of deceased players. Other former players, such as Moses Matovu and Ali Sendgeya, have lauded the initiative, noting that it provides much-needed hope and a sense of community for retired athletes who may have neglected future planning during their playing days.

As part of the reunion activities, a friendly match was held between Central and Eastern regional former players, with the Eastern region team securing a 2-0 victory and a prize of Shs1 million. The event also underscored the need for financial security, with foundation patron Paul Musisi pointing out that many players retire without adequate savings due to insufficient earnings during their careers.

Musisi further called upon the government to acknowledge and address the plight of former footballers, especially those whose careers were cut short by injuries. The Former Footballers Seniors Foundation plans to continue its efforts in mobilizing ex-players nationwide to foster unity, promote welfare, and cultivate sustainable post-football livelihoods.

Source: Nile Post