POLOKWANE – Local author Ishmael Manamela recently released a book, Sportpreneurship, which he hopes will teach athletes how to work with their money, and create a long-lasting legacy.
The Polokwane native says he has been working on his masterpiece for the past seven years.
Manamela (40) has a national diploma in marketing and also boasts a certificate in entrepreneurship and small business from the University of South Africa (Unisa).
His passion for entrepreneurship has also led him to give lectures at Rosebank College and now he wants to ensure his lessons reach a wider audience.
Manamela gave BONUS a summary of what his book focuses on.
“The book is the first of its kind in the world. It is a mixture between sports management and entrepreneurship. It teaches athletes about how to best manage their sporting careers because I have realised that most professional athletes are unable to manage their careers and often die poor,” Manamela said.
He added financial management will be one of the fundamental lessons taught in the book.
Manamela explained the book is targeted at both professional and aspiring athletes, the scope thereof is wide and is aimed at codes such as soccer, rugby, basketball and hockey.
Another aspect the book focuses on, he explained, is personal branding. “The idea is that you have to run your career like it is a corporate business. That way the chances of succeeding even long after you retire are greater,” he continued.
According to Manamela, readers will learn a variety of lessons that will ensure they develop even further in their sport of choice.
The book is available for R250 at Bhamjees Sport Centre in Schoeman Street in the Polokwane Central Business District.