Football is very popular in South Africa, and many people dream of becoming intermediaries.. If you are passionate about the game and interested in representing talents, becoming an agent could be your ideal career choice. It is worth noting that becoming an agent comes with a great deal of regulations and guidelines.
You must go through the necessary steps, from registering with the relevant authorities to building a network of contacts and scouting for talent.
Here are detailed guidelines on how to become a soccer agent in South Africa.
1. Complete the SAFA-accredited soccer agent course
Anyone can be a soccer agent in South Africa. There are no formaal qualifications. Here is what you should do:
- Complete an application form with the South African Football Association.
- Complete the SAFA-accredited soccer agent course.
- Apply for a personal tax clearance from the South African Revenue Service.
- Apply for a clearance certificate from the South African Police Service.
- Submit two identity photographs to SAFA.
- Pay SAFA R5,000.
You may need to meet other requirements for the application so it is advisable to follow the FIFA guidelines on registering as a football agent since all football associations, including SAFA, license agents based on these guidelines.
Below aguidelines to follow to register as a football agent on FIFA:
- Complete and submit an application through the FIFA Agent Platform.
- Adhere to the eligibility requirements.
- Pass the FIFA agent exam, which has a pass mark of 75%.
- Pay a yearly fee to FIFA.
2. Get the FIFA agent license
After passing the exam and paying the annual fee within 90 days, you will be issued a soccer agent license to work as a football agent. The license enables you to conduct Football Agent Services worldwide. An agent must pay to FIFA $600 as licence fee every year.
The amount is always due by 30 September each year, as stipulated on the FIFA Agent Platform. You are required to pay the fee electronically via the FIFA Agent Platform.
FIFA Headquarters in Zurich. Image: Getty Images
3. Build a network of industry professionals
After you have been licensed as a soccer agent in South Africa, you need to establish contacts with some of the top agents, academies among others. Attend soccer games, tournaments, and other events to meet players, coaches, and agents.
Networking enables you to locate new clients and develop ties with other industry professionals. To get exposure, collaborate with local clubs.
4. Find and market good players
Identify players with potential and help them develop their skills. You can locate these players at local academies, local tournaments, and PSL.
After finding a player, market them to clubs and other agents. Create a player profile highlighting their strengths and accomplishments. Starting with young players is the right thing as seasoned players were developed by someone else.
5. Negotiate contracts for your clients
After connecting your clients to clubs, negotiate endorsement deals and contracts for them as they concentrate on playing football.
Do football agents get paid? A soccer agent’s salary is based on the commission on the contracts they negotiate for their clients. The commission typically ranges from 1% to 10% of the player’s contract.
However, the average gross salary of a sports agent in South Africa is R624,347, equivalent to R300 hourly. Furthermore, soccer agents in South Africa earn an average bonus of R27,097.