Beyond the pitch: Matthew Booth on life, football and new beginnings

Clement Manyathela sits down with former soccer star Matthew Booth.

Listen below

Known for his towering presence on the soccer field, former Bafana Bafana defender Matthew Booth has transitioned into a new chapter of his life, focusing on various projects and personal passions.

But what were Booth's personal career highlights, what were the challenges he faced when deciding to leave the game, and what drives him today both professionally and personally? 

Click the audio player above to listen as Clement gets to know the man behind the legend, and gets insights into his future plans.

On 'skilling up' post-retirement:

"I always wanted to have something in my pocket. When I retired in 2014, I went back to UNISA and did a BA PLC - I took five years and it fascinated me and the wide range of topics was great."

Matthew Booth, Former footballer/ Director and co-founder of Booth Africa

On spending six years living and playing in Russia:

"It was difficult at first not having my family with me, but you adapt. As a footballer you've got to become quite mercenary in the way you look at life and earnings because you have to maximise your earnings."

Matthew Booth, Former footballer/ Director and co-founder of Booth Africa

On career disappointments:

"[It was] not a great one [experience]. So that was probably one of the few disappointments in my career. I went out on loan to Wimbledon and it was a lesson learnt, because the two owners of the clubs, Mamelodi Sundowns and Wimbledon agreed to me going, but I didn't confer with the actual manager and coach who was a bit surprised to see me arrive."

Matthew Booth, Former footballer/ Director and co-founder of Booth Africa

On the future of South African football:

"Football is such a powerful vehicle that you can use for social change and if you look at our national team, we haven't really gotten our grassroots football up and running and therefore we haven't maximised our pool of talent and the players are out there."

Matthew Booth, Former footballer/ Director and co-founder of Booth Africa

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the full 'in conversation' with Matthew Booth

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