THE FUTURE IS OUR PAST

I was shocked to learn that Steve Lekolea is only 32yrs old! Yet it seems he's been away from football for at least 8 yrs, this got me thinking that the system is currently not adequate in looking after current and more especially, our former players. If we are to have a successful future as a Professional football nation, we need to ensure that our ambassadors are not lost to the football system and therefore available as mentors to the many young players. Football as a car ever has a lifespan of 10-15yrs if you're lucky, thereafter, hopefully you have gained enough knowledge or skill to sustain you for the rest of your life. Unfortunately due to the lack of education, not many invest they're money and therefore become displaced and destitute. It is time that a formal programme of veterans is conducted and such players can be nurtured by starting whilst they playing football and we cannot afford losing the brains trust of our sport. The best leagues in the world has systematic programmes of how to take care of former players as they are valuable to the history of the clubs and the legacy of the league. Many former players can suffer from various conditions such as alcohol abused caused by depression as life after football can prove to be quite depressing. Our future is very much informed by our past.