This week the Siya crew caught up with top Mzansi football agent, Ashley Rasool of Lion Sports Management, who gave us a behind-the scenes glimpse of his time in player management.
Why I am in player management:
Talent deserves management, man management to be specific. Career pathing, strategic placement, well-being are key elements of this management mandate, especially for young players making the transition from the academy/amateur ranks into pro football. Pro football is unforgiving as financial decisions often trumps the football consideration taken by clubs (employers). Clubs are represented by shareholders while intermediaries/agents fight the corner of the player - like a boxing match - as simple as that.
What I look for in a player:
Talent and desire. Talent gets me interested, desire and mindset determines the longevity of the player in professional football. In SA we tend to allocate a heavier weighting towards talent (for obvious reasons), but desire and mindset always trumps talent, ask anyone in the industry worth his/her salt.
A deal that Almost happened but didn't:
Where do I start?
They say don't dwell on the past too much especially in football, but Teko Modise to Everton around 2008/09 (I was involved with other agents) and Wayne Arendse/Erwin Isaacs to Helsinborgs are ones that I regret somewhat. Wayne and Appels especially as the Helsinborgs gig would've catapulted their careers, the Swedes had a genuine appetite for them. Teko should've played in Europe as well - he had the goods.
Your most difficult transfer:
Isaac Chansa to Henan Jiyane (China). Isaac had just won the Afcon of which he was the anchor in midfield, he lead Pirates to the treble which kickstarted the golden era for the Bucs. Massive credit must go to the chairman, Dr Khoza, for allowing his midfield kingpin to take the opportunity and secure himself for life after football. I don't think i can mention any other club bosses who would've taken such a stance in putting the player's welfare first.
Your biggest regret in player management:
Sounds clichéd but no regrets, just lessons. I'm still learning!
Weirdest request you have ever received from a player/coach:
Drop his child off at creche!
Player I wish I had managed:
Teko Modise, although I'm lucky enough to have managed Wayne Arendse throughout his career!
Your message to aspiring players:
Dream big like Benni, Lucas and Pienaar. Mindset over talent, a PSL tracksuit won't pay your retirement bills - sleep on that.
