Former Bafana Star Lerato Chabangu Shares Crucial Financial Advice for Young Footballers

• Lerato Chabangu has opened up about the financial realities of football and why young players need to think beyond their playing careers
• The former Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder has shared lessons from his career that could help young players prepare for the future
• Chabangu has highlighted an important area of footballer welfare, with his advice touching on injuries, money and life after professional football

Former Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana midfielder Lerato Chabangu has encouraged young professionals to take financial planning seriously while they are still earning from football.

Speaking on the HPN Sports podcast on 21 August, Chabangu reflected on his own experiences and explained why players should prepare for unexpected changes to their careers.

According to Soccer Laduma, one of his main recommendations was personal insurance, particularly protection linked to career-threatening injuries.

Why insurance matters during a football career

Chabangu also advised players to maintain records of injuries sustained throughout their careers. Such documentation can become important when dealing with insurance or assessing how an injury affects a player's future.

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His wider message covered budgeting, saving, investing, taxation, contracts and debt. He also encouraged young players to seek trustworthy professional advice rather than making major financial decisions without guidance.

The issue extends beyond football. In June 2026, Investec similarly highlighted the importance of budgeting, emergency savings, protection and long-term investing for athletes with relatively short earning windows.

A lesson backed by wider sporting experience

South African rugby provides another example. MyPlayers offers professional players injury benefits, pension savings, financial and tax advisory support and life cover.

Chabangu's message therefore goes beyond simply saving money. It is about protecting income, planning for uncertainty and building financial stability before a playing career ends.

Lerato Chabangu’s difficult life after football

Briefly News previously reported that former Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana star Lerato Chabangu opened up about a dramatic change in his life after football, revealing how far his circumstances had fallen from his playing days.

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The ex-midfielder spoke candidly about what he has lost, the pressure surrounding his family and the reality of trying to make a living today. His account offered a sobering glimpse into life after professional football.

Source: Briefly News