It has been said not once, not twice, that football is a short-term career. This has never been far from the truth, evident with the rise and fall of highly accoladed talents. But what happens when the final whistle blows, and as a player you hang the boots?

The Kenya Footballers Welfare Association (KEFWA), a Union mandated to protect the rights and welfare of professional football players in the country, is gearing up an initiative to bring together former football legends in a bid to unite them under one umbrella that will address their challenges, and set up a smooth transition for life after football.

The union, under the leadership of Situma James (President), Terry Ouko (Vice-President), and Makori Chacha (Secretary General), have set up incredible measures that are bringing together professionals who have hanged their boots.

The Former Players Department, led by highly accoladed renowned player and coach John ‘Barry’ Baraza, is changing the game for former football players.

In an exclusive interview with KEFWA Media, the former Kenyan top scorer reveals the heart of their mission which is to unite former players, provide them with essential programs, and ensure they have a prosperous life after retirement.

“Under the support of our leadership, we recently held a crucial meeting with former players with the primary goal of addressing the challenges faced by these retired heroes. We came together aiming to forge unity and establish a roadmap for how former players can benefit from the diverse programs offered by the union,” notes Baraza.

Emphasizing the importance of working harmoniously and having one voice that can effectively address the unique issues faced by former players, the department will be the foundation upon which KEFWA builds its mission.

“One of the key takeaways from our meeting was the rallying call for more former players to come on board and register as members of KEFWA. Registration makes them eligible for a range of beneficial programs, opening doors to opportunities in various fields,” he revealed.

According to the former KPL champion, with proper preparation, players can transition smoothly into retirement by planning their lives financially, economically, and career-wise.

This proactive approach aims to prevent the heartbreaking cases of former players who have struggled due to a lack of early preparations.

“It is a sad reality that the majority of our players after hanging the boots, their stardom disappears down the drain. However, after being done with active football, one can enroll in our programs including education courses in driving, baking, plumbing, electrical work, mechanics, business management, hospitality, coaching, refereeing, and even football agent training. KEFWA is committed to equipping former players with skills that will empower them to succeed in their post-football careers.”

Baraza has since called for unity among former players, asking them to turn a blind eye to their differences and come together for a good cause that would be instrumental in changing the norm that has been seen in the Kenyan football industry.

“Former players have a vital role to play in shaping the future of the sport. Two is always better than one and coming together as one voice empowers them to collectively tackle their challenges similar to how other workers in the country are protected under their respective unions. With the immense support and goodwill from our current leadership, KEFWA serves as the guardian of the players’ interests.”