CAPE TOWN – Former SuperSport United and Kaizer Chiefs defender Morgan Gould believes there is both a need and a clear opportunity for former players to mentor and guide the next generation as they transition into the professional game.
The 42-year-old, who earned more than 30 caps for Bafana Bafana, explains that many of the younger players entering the professional scene have limited understanding of the realities and demands of life both on and off the pitch.
“I do think we’re lacking in the human element as players and former players, you know, sometimes you know that a kid is young and he needs to live his life as in, not live his life in a wrong way but in a greater way where, let the kid be introduced slowly but surely into the scene,” said Gould.
“I’m making an example, the Reles [Relebohile Mofokeng] of the world, the [Mohau] Nkota’s of the world, there are so many players, younger players in this world who needs a bit of education that is going alongside football.
“There are still kids at heart, so if you do see the spot of bother, you know, pull them out, have a chat with them and have galvanised good support around them because they’re the future of the country.”
Gould is among a group of former footballers who have taken on roles as MTN8 ambassadors.
As part of their responsibilities, they actively give back to local communities and schools, supporting MTN8’s ongoing initiatives and efforts to make a positive impact on the ground.
“We’ve been doing a lot of work, if I take you back, last season, for the MTN8 Last Legend Standing, [Njabulo] Manqana won it, and we went to his neighbourhood,” he said.
“We actually gave back in terms of, he hosted a tournament and we were there to spend time with the people because his community won and he had obviously chosen the team that won the ultimate prize, which is the R10 million.
“He had the rights, and every one of us that were part of the top 8 Last Legend Standing, we all got, in the beginning we got R40,000, but if you lose, you take your R20,000, you put it in the kitty and the R20,000 you keep to do something in your community of your choice.”
