Perspectives of African athletes on the prospects and challenges of being managed by former professional athletes

This study explores the perspectives of African athletes who are managed by former professional athletes, focusing on their experiences, perceptions, and the impact of having a manager with a background in professional sports. Using a qualitative phenomenological research design, the study conducted in-depth interviews with 30 African athletes in football, and athletics. The findings reveal that participants generally view former professional athletes as empathetic, relatable, and credible managers who understand the unique challenges of being an athlete. However, some participants expressed concerns about the lack of formal managerial training among former athletes and the potential for favouritism. The study concludes that while former professional athletes bring valuable insights to player management, they must complement their experiential knowledge with formal training to address the complexities of modern sports management. These research findings will meaningfully inform ongoing dialogues about player representation systems, global athletic labour flows, and career transition management. By prioritizing African athletes’ firsthand experiences, the study provides crucial insights for developing more equitable certification standards for agents and enhanced protective measures for athletes operating across borders.