Former Ghana international Anthony Baffoe has advised young footballers to pursue education while actively engaging in their sporting careers.
Speaking at the 2024 Afro Sport Summit in Accra, Baffoe, a former CAF Deputy General Secretary and Black Stars defender, highlighted the importance of education regardless of one’s background.
Baffoe who founded the Professional Football Association of Ghana (PFAG), emphasised that immense potential exists within every individual, and formal education should not be seen as a barrier to success in football or any other field.
Baffoe encouraged young players to leverage online platforms for educational purposes, noting the advantages of modern technology.
“Young players today are very lucky,” he remarked. “Covid has taught us that you can be in one place and still work and study online. You can spend one hour on Instagram, and you can spend one hour learning a course online. Don’t wait until your career is ending.”
He addressed the common misconception in African contexts that football is a career for those who are not academically inclined. Anthony Baffoe noted that this perception has evolved significantly over the years.
The former footballer’s advice underscores the growing recognition of the importance of balancing sports careers with educational development, aiming to prepare young athletes for a successful future both on and off the field.
