Indra Sjafri: Lack Of Financial Education Makes Retired Footballers Face Undecent Life

JAKARTA - Former coach of the Indonesian U-20 football national team, Indra Sjafri, said that many footballers who have retired often face inappropriate lives.

Indra considered this to be due to a lack of briefing related to financial literacy and only focused on soccer training.

"After he finished being a player, his life was (less good), even though he used to be players who were idolized by the community with extraordinary salaries. However, there was no education on how to manage finances, in the end they did not live a decent life," said Indra at a press conference entitled "Move Now Camp Indonesia Edition" initiated by Allianz in Jakarta, Saturday, September 20.

He also appreciated the breakthrough "Move Now Camp Indonesia Edition" which proves that sports are not only about physical and skills, but also related to building character, mental readiness and financial knowledge to face the future.

According to him, financial knowledge needs to be given from an early age. The reason is, Indra likens financial literacy to nutrients that are needed by footballers.

"In my opinion, it is as important as nutrition for an athlete," he explained.

Indra said, in PSSI's coaching course, education related to sports science, investment and insurance is now part of the integral.

"Since I was a player until I started working, the first thing I did after getting an income was to enter insurance," he explained.

Previously, Allianz again demonstrated his commitment as a global sports partner through the "Move Now Camp Indonesia Edition" initiative.

Not only focusing on improving physical capabilities, these activities are also designed to equip the younger generation with the values of life and financial literacy education, in line with the mission of "secure the future".

Country Manager & President Director of Allianz Life Indonesia Alexander Grenz explained the extent of the company's involvement in the international sport. In addition to being Bayern Munich's main partner, Allianz has also expanded its work through long-term cooperation with the largest sporting event in the world.

"Since 2021, we have a partnership with the Olympics and Paralympics. This collaboration has just been extended to 2032," said Alex at a press conference in Jakarta, Saturday, September 20.

Move Now Camp in Indonesia presents a comprehensive approach not only to train physically, but also to build character and mental resilience.

Alex hopes that the program will become a valuable experience that can change the perspective of young participants on sports and life.

"There are many things they will get, ranging from increasing physical strength, body occupancy, technical expertise to self-resilience. All of this is prepared so that they are ready to face the future," he said.

Of the 300 registrants, only 30 selected children had the opportunity to attend intensive training with the Head Coach of the U-23 Indonesian National Team Indra Sjafri and national football legend Maman Abdurrahman. In addition to technical skills, values such as discipline, cooperation and enthusiasm are also instilled in the Allianz program.

National football legend Maman Abdurrahman, Head Coach of the U-23 Indonesian National Team Indra Sjafri and Country Manager & President Director of Allianz Life Indonesia Alexander Grenz) from left to right)/PHOTO: Theresia Agatha-VOI