The lush green field of the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium is not the only turf that excites Chippa United defender Thabo Nthethe.
Nthethe will also be hoping the grass will be greener on the other side once his playing days are over.
The former Bloemfontein Celtic and Mamelodi Sundowns skipper has already started planning for life after football.
“I have a business back home in Bloemfontein. When I have time now I check up on how things are going that side,” Nthethe said.
“The business is of grass cutting alongside the road, putting up new road signs and a little bit of construction work, as well as fixing the roads.
“We have started in Parys in the Free State. All of my businesses are that side.
“I have had this business for four years now and I am still learning.
“Lucky for me I have great people who are helping me.”
The 33-year-old player said it was very important for professional soccer players to have other interests outside football as their life span in the industry tended to be very short.
“We get a lot of money but it will not be enough to manage you after football. Everyday life gets expensive, so you have to find things now, while you are still playing.
“If you have a business that you want to start, do it now while you are still playing and put people in who can manage your business in the right way so that when you retire the wheel will be running already.”
Nthethe, originally from Bloemfontein, arrived in the Bay two months ago after pinning down a year contract with PE’s Absa Premiership side.
The defender said he had settled in very well in the city.
“I love the area and it’s not too busy compared to where I come from. I stay in Summerstrand because I wanted to be close to the beach.
“For a professional player one needs to be in a place like PE. I love the weather and the people here are very chilled.”
Unlike most players, who prefer TV and Play station in their free time, Nthethe enjoys a good read.
“In my spare time, I read a lot. I tend to buy books that can motivate me, not only as a person, but as a player.
“I also like books that speak on life generally.
“I have a collection of books, but my favourite read will always be The Secret by Rhonda Byrne. There was a part in the book that spoke about how to handle finance.
“I know I am not that good with handling money, so the book helped me to better manage my finances.”
So what are Nthethe’s plans for this season at the Chilli Boys?
“I think – for a new team like Chippa – if we can finish in fourth position it will be a good achievement and we will build on that.
“A fourth-place finish will be an honest achievement and I would be very happy.”
Five things that you don’t know about Nthehte: 1. He is a shy guy. 2. Not very talkative. 3. His favourite meal is pap and wors.
4. His favourite playing boots are Nike Magista. They give him confidence.
5. The most memorable team he has played for is Mamelodi Sundowns.