Football does not end when a player hangs up their boots or when a referee blows the final whistle for the last time.
That is the message from FUFA Corporate Affairs Director Ahmed Hussein, who says the federation has deliberately created opportunities for former players and referees to remain involved in the game through coaching, administration, scouting and education.
Speaking about Pillar Four of the FUFA Technical Master Plan, which focuses on “Life After Playing Football”, Hussein said the initiative is designed to ensure that former football stakeholders continue contributing to the sport long after their playing or officiating careers have ended.
“We are talking about former players and referees who retired, had careers cut short by injury, or chose to give back through coaching, administration, education, and practical on-field sessions for the next generation of referees,” Hussein said.
He explained that the FUFA ecosystem has intentionally created pathways for former footballers and match officials to transition into new roles within the sport.
“Through the FUFA Ecosystem, we have deliberately opened doors for these legends to transition into administration, coaching, education, scouting, and technical roles. Many have taken the initiative to upskill through FUFA, CAF, FIFA, and FAMACO football education courses. Some have sponsored themselves, others are fully supported by FUFA, while others have benefited from cost-sharing programmes,” Hussein added.
According to Hussein, the programme has enabled numerous former players and referees to remain active within football structures at grassroots, regional and national levels. Many now serve as technical officers, scouts, national team coaches, administrators, instructors and committee members across the federation.
He also credited FUFA president Moses Magogo for supporting the development of former players through football education programmes.
“The FUFA President has been a key pillar in supporting former players by fully covering course fees for a large number of them to acquire or upgrade their coaching credentials across all FUFA and CAF levels,” Hussein noted.
The federation released an extensive list of former players and referees currently serving in different capacities, ranging from national team technical staffs and scouting departments to administrative positions at the FUFA secretariat and various committees.
Hussein said the initiative is not simply about appointing former football personalities to positions, but ensuring they are equipped with the necessary qualifications and skills to make meaningful contributions.
As FUFA continues implementing its Technical Master Plan, the federation believes the experience and knowledge accumulated by former players and referees can help strengthen football development across the country while ensuring their connection to the game remains intact long after retirement.
