‘The most fundamental aspect footballers miss’: Brighton Mhlongo

In a frank assessment of life after football for professional players, South African retired footballer Brighton Mhlongo has highlighted a crucial aspect often neglected by players during their careers.

Mhlongo, a former goalkeeper, was forced into early retirement in 2021 due to an eye injury sustained during his spell with Tshakuma Tsha Madzivhandila. He was only 30 years old at the time.

Prior to that, he played for Orlando Pirates, Chippa United, and Bidvest Wits.

Since his retirement, Mhlongo has actively pursued new ventures. He co-founded the Manyisa Mhlongo Foundation with his former teammate and friend Oupa Manyisa. 

They also launched “My Football CV,” a platform to help aspiring footballers. Additionally, Mhlongo embarked on an acting career, landing a role in the telenovela called “Champions” before joining eTV’s The Morning Show as a presenter.

Acknowledging his own good fortune alongside his hard work, Mhlongo emphasises the importance of education for footballers. He urges them to equip themselves with skills and knowledge beyond the sport, preparing for a successful future after their playing days are over.

BRIGHTON MHLONGO EMPHASISES IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION FOR FOOTBALLERS

“I count myself as fortunate, very blessed actually to have been in a position I am right now but without also taking anything away from that, I think it’s through hard work, dedication and being prayerful as well,” he told FARPost.

“I think the most importantly, we miss the most fundamental aspect as footballers…school, school, school. 

“I cannot emphasise more on that to a point that once you equip yourself, once you get to a position where you find yourself more literate about certain things, you get to a point where your eyes are open, you get to diversify, to see some hidden talents.

“Who would have thought I would be an actor? But then it boils down to one thing again. Footballers, we are entertainers, acting is also entertaining. The only thing that you move, it’s just widening the reach and believing in yourself that the sky is the limit, you can always break boundaries, and you can always do better.

‘THERE’S MORE TO FOOTBALL THAN JUST IN THE FIELD OF PLAY’

“I think it’s high time we preach the gospel of being prayerful, putting the emphasis on going to school as well. But apart from that, most importantly, we need to open our eyes, there’s more to football than just in the field of play, there’s more to life than just going into the field of play.

“Once we start understanding, you don’t have to wait for someone to come and pull you out of that darkness. Sometimes you have to go out there and look for it.

“That’s one thing I try to do everytime, re-invent yourself everytime, look how you can be better.”

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