Give legends social roles - Retired players tell CAF
Anthony Baffoe, the Founder and General Secretary of the Professional Football Association of Ghana (PFAG) says it is time for the continent to further gain from the exploits and experience of its retired players and legends, to help the the social aspect of the game.
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According to Baffoe, there was the need for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to also recognise the contribution they had made to the development and promotion of the game and be seen as key in guiding the current players and young players, particularly, in the signing of professional contracts.
Baffoe, a former Ghana international, said the involvement of former players in key social decisions at CAF would be helpful in ensuring that their own experiences served as a guide in educating the youth on lifestyle and contractual agreement, which often end up being problematic for the players who get the chance to play in Europe.
“A lot of young people need not go through some of the challenges the legends who did not have anyone to look up to went through.”
“The legends have agreed to offer themselves up for that.
He said the decision was taken when the legends met in Rabat, where they reinforced their already existing relationship.
“It is important for the legends and retired players to be united and speak with one voice. FIFPRO has given us the platform and we have decided to come together to have a voice in football given our role and influence.”
He said the legends and retired players had also asked CAF to organise Executive Management courses to help prepare the legends for life after football.
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“The setting up of such training opportunities will provide the chance to prepare well for such roles and remain relevant and be mentors for the young ones.”
“The fact that we have stopped playing doesn't mean we have lost our sense of reasoning and judgement. Europe has benefited from such programmes and Africa can take a cue,” he emphasised.
He said the legends were happy that CAF had decided to open its doors to the legends and given them a listening ear.
“We all have a responsibility to ensure that the game develops further and we are ready to play a role to that effect”, Baffoe, who is now a CAF and FIFA coordinator, stressed.