#LetsFixSAFootball | Lee Langeveldt reflects on valuable lessons from the PSL Transition Programme

Stellenbosch goalkeeper Lee Langeveldt is grateful to the PSL Player Transition Programme for helping him to properly promote and invest in his businesses.

The Transition Programme was set out to equip and empower players with the knowledge and skills for a successful transition beyond their careers.

The Gordon Institute of Business Science (Gibs) carried the programme between 2022 and 2024, and it comprised of four core modules.

These modules, which are studied between January and June, are - the business fundamentals, information technology, financial management, and leadership.

Participants also had the opportunity to choose two electives from an array of options that would help them throughout their transition journey.

These are: Coach Education, Project Management, Facility Management, Business Innovation, Media Officers, Social Entrepreneurship, Merchandise Management, and Events Management.

Langeveldt, who was part of the second batch of graduates in June 2024, after the pilot project in 2023, has already put the knowledge he gathered from the project into good use.

The 38-year-old veteran runs a business of student accommodations and spit braai catering business in the small community of Idas Valley in Stellenbosch.

“I am one of the lucky ones that used my money to go into a business, and the Transition Programme helped me on how to promote my business more,” Langeveldt explained.

“It also helped me on how to save. So, it was a big learning curve for me. I am really grateful for that opportunity.”

Langeveldt is in the last season of his playing career as he’ll transition into a backroom role and serve as a goalkeeper coach for the reserve, youth, and ladies teams.

And while that means he’ll still be able to earn an income and give back to the various structures, Langeveldt is still grateful to the Transition Programme.

“As a footballer sometimes, you don’t think of life after football,” Langeveldt conceded. “I think if we can do a programme for the DDC players now, that’d be great.

“You are not going to play football for 30-40 years. You are going to play for 10-15 years. I am one of the lucky ones, who’s in his 21st season. 

“So, you need to prepare for life after football. How many players have to work after playing football? Most of them. You don’t make enough money to sustain a lifestyle after football.”

“So, the Transition Program even at my age was an eye opener for me. There’s life after football, so what are you going to do?”

Langeveldt’s frustrations about the high number of players who have nothing to fall back on when their playing days are over are widely shared in SA football circles.

And that’s why he’s called on key stakeholders - the agents, league and clubs - to do their part and help players in ensuring they are able to survive beyond their playing days.

“It’s sad, because once again, we don’t get the guidance we need,” Langeveldt said. “If we can get the guidance, (it would be much better).

“We all have agents, but what do they do? It’s only when you sign a contract that you see an agent. I was lucky to play in Denmark where every month they (clubs) used to put away something (for players).

“It’s something that not only clubs, but the PSL must also consider. If you earn R30 000, maybe they must put away at least R2 000 a month for the duration of your career.

“They must also consider something like policies, but we don’t get educated enough on these things. I recently said to someone, ‘if I had a policy then after 20 years I’d stop’.”

While the PSL, together with broadcasting partners MultiChoice, are doing their bit to help players easily transition to life after football, Langeveldt says players must also live responsibly.