The sports industry is lucrative but can also prove one of the harshest if not well managed. For years, athletes have fallen into depression or financial crises during their sunset years due to a myriad of reasons.
However, for one Kelvin Ochieng Opondo (Master), former Harambee Stars and Mathare United midfielder, his career was built on networking and saving.
He even rose from the ruins after his entire business collapsed following a robbery that saw all his life savings go down the drain.
Ochieng plied his trade in Oman's Al-Shabab SC in 2008, his prime years, before rejoining Mathare United later in the same year.
The playmaker who also signed for champions Gor Mahia invested his savings in a restaurant dubbed Master's Lounge.
However, 6 years later, thugs raided his business, stole from him and crippled it.
"What I had worked for 17 years to build was totally brought down in 17 minutes. I was devastated. My source of income was now gone yet I had a family to take care of and bills to pay," Ochieng stated in an interview with a local daily.
Through his networks, he managed to find his feet again in Germany and got enrolled at a top hotel. He advised sports personalities to invest and plan well for the future.
"After Master's Lounge crumbled, God gave me a second chance that changed my life when I could have easily fallen into depression. I am happy here," he added.
On Friday, September 11 World Marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge also insisted on the importance of saving. He disclosed that he manages his wealth through sound management, appropriate packaging, branding and has also ventured into various businesses.
Kipchoge added that sports personalities can change their plight through empowerment and proper management, being advised and trained effectively.
