Former Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs defender Siboniso Gaxa revealed what inspired his decision to complete his studies at University.

The 34-year-old recently graduated from Wits University with a political science and social science degree.

The Durban-born defender is currently studying for his second degree at the same institution.

Gaxa, who was part of the Bafana Bafana squad during the 2010 Fifa World Cup, has urged fellow footballers to follow in his footsteps.

‘It breaks my heart to see what’s going on in our football. I am seeing players that had millions of Rands in their bank accounts, but now they have nothing. How did we get here?’ Gaxa told Safa.net.

‘Players must read financial books, hire tutors because they get paid lots of money and they can afford that. When I was studying at Chiefs, others didn’t see the importance of what I was doing and I didn’t understand why.

‘Our structures don’t cater for education and that has to change. After retirement players go back to the same poverty where they come from, and that really breaks my heart.’

Meanwhile, South African Football Association (Safa) president Dr Danny Jordaan congratulated the defender on his achievement, stating that Gaxa has set an example that should be emulated by his fellow footballers.

‘In my recent interaction with ex-players and legends, I have always underscored the fact that education is the best fallback plan at the end of one’s playing career,’ Jordaan said.

‘I would like to see more and more players who follow in Gaxa’s footsteps.’