On the outside, football is glamorous. Fast cars, high-earned fashion, mansions, and weekly salaries that others can only earn in a lifetime.
On the real front, especially away from the glamour spectacle of Europe’s top five leagues, it is far from that.
It is a life soaked in low salaries, unpaid wages, and a space where side gigs are central to survival.
Take the case of Issah Ibrahim and Saani Hafiz. They are footballers in the second tier of Ghana football in a city that loves its football, Takoradi.
But they have had to find other multiple means of survival that give real meaning to the never-say-die spirit.
“I do this rubber business with my father in order to make money and buy basic football equipment like football boots, etc,” Issah revealed.
Both Issah and Hafiz play for Sekondi Hasaacas, but they do way more than that. When he is not in training or engaged in a match, Issah works for a local rubber firm.
Saani Hafiz’s side hustle is earning him an income from being the rider of a tricycle in the city.
“For the past three years, I have done this tricycle business as a side hustle to the football I play. The tricycle is for someone, so I only work for him and take my share of the money that comes out of it.”
Their path highlights the sacrifices that playing football, not just in Ghana but in the lower division, requires, but both players see this as a means to a greater end.
“It is difficult combining the tricycle work and playing football because the times I have to go training sometimes is when I get a gig with the tricycle.
“So I find myself in a tight corner to decide on doing. Football is what I have decided on doing; the tricycle is just a side hustle and a means to survival,” Saani indicated.
Their story is a testament to the power of passion and determination in the face of adversity. Hopefully, one day, we will see them at the highest level soon.
By Francis Hema
