Cape Town Spurs midfielder Daylon Claasen has urged the Premier Soccer League to follow in the footsteps of the Belgian Pro League when it comes to player retirement funds.
It is a topic that has reared its head all too often. The sad state of affairs for the majority of PSL players upon retirement when they hang up their boots without a Plan B or something to fall back on after their playing careers.
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This problem is a rarity in Belgium, for example , where in Belgium 30% of a player's salary automatically goes into a retirement fund which they can only access at age 35.
The 34-year-old has urged the PSL to follow suit in ensuring players are covered financially once their playing days come to an end.
"It becomes a reality for a lot of people once it stops. How am I going to continue if I'm not playing? But the way I live, if I stop tomorrow, I'll still be able to continue living the same way, I wouldn't have any problems. I think it gives you peace of mind when you do retire. If you make provision and your career ends, it doesn't come as a shock.
"I've spoken to guys who have retired and they told me that they miss the game like crazy, especially in the first year.
"When you play in Europe, the retirement fund is compulsory. You don't have a choice. That's the one thing that I would implement in South Africa. That whenever you sign for a team, it's compulsory to give a percentage towards your retirement and you receive this once you have retired.
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"In Europe the player has no choice. I feel like when you're young, you don't think about the end of your career but when you're older you start thinking about it more and by then it's too late. It should be implemented from the first professional contract you sign here and the money can only be made available to you once you retire.
"I remember when I signed my first deal and I was unaware of this and my manager explained it to me. I was 22 at the time and I started realizing what it was but when I was 18 I felt like they are taking my money. But when you get older, you realise just how good it actually is," he added.
