Footballers and education Limba MupetamiFor those who enjoy the game, a football match can produce beautiful trickery and shots on goal that many of us compare with pure acts of brilliance.
However, despite the great moves and split-second decisions that come as the result of quick thinking, many people consider football players to be undereducated, overpaid athletes who don't invest too much in their education.
As much as this might sound like stereotyping, many local players don't take much time to get behind the books to gain higher education.
Yes, it's true that football offers lucrative salaries and pretty much a secure future, still it's always a good idea to work on a backup strategy, just in case an injury interrupts your sporting career.
I know a lot of coaches and clubs don't really care about what a footballer has studied at school or in college, as the only thing that really matters is their consistent use of their talent the fans see on the pitch.
But you see, education is important, as we saw a few weeks back when Cameroon's Samuel Eto'o decided to go back to school.
He announced he will be taking on business management studies at Harvard Business School in the United States. This decision, he said, was based on giving back to Africa.
It's a brilliant step, I think, and I'm sure he has accumulated much wealth throughout his professional football years. And now he wants to make sure he continues to spend that money wisely. Whatever plans he may have, good for him.
If you are a role model on the field, take it a bit further and motivate those looking up to you that you can be a doctor and still play football. Look at a guy like Ronald 'Stigga' Ketjijere, former captain of the Brave Warriors, who studied law while plying his trade in South Africa.
Despite the pressure of attending training, and playing matches throughout the season, he found time to study.
The same goes for Andres Iniesta. The famous Spanish midfielder is the epitome of one of the most intelligent players in Europe. He is also an accomplished scholar. He holds a biology degree, as well as a degree in sports science.
Another is Juan Mata. The Spanish international holds a degree in journalism, which he obtained in Madrid. He is still pursuing other studies. Then there is Chelsea's former player and current manager Frank Lampard.
The English national excelled in Latin. All of these guys have and had a lot of pressure, due to club and international commitments, but they gave few or no excuses when it came to getting an education. Be like those guys. Have a plan.
limba@namibiansun.com