Rock bottom AmaZulu to introduce life skills training for players

AmaZulu FC in Durban is introducing a life-skills programme aimed at helping players both on and off the pitch, it said on Monday.

The club's general manager Peter O'Connor said AmaZulu was determined to achieve a holistic environment where players could thrive both personally and professionally.

"We are a club that wants to remain competitive and grow. To do this we need to create the ideal environment for players to achieve their goals both in soccer and life," he said.

"We know that football careers can be unpredictable and retirement can come sooner than players think. We, therefore, want to make sure our players get the most out of their careers and are left better off for having played for AmaZulu."

Newton Sports Agency has been appointed to develop and facilitate a 10-phase life-skills programme for its first team. The project will be managed by the agency's head of athlete development, Kirsten van Heerden, who will work with a group of 35 senior players on a number of topics over the months of September and October.

"Following a comprehensive brief from club management we have developed a working model that is tailored to the needs of the modern football professional," Van Heerden said.

"We understand that while the performance on the field is what counts, players can only reach their true potential if they can manage their lifestyles outside of football too."