“They are leeches!”.
The line above is one of the most common ones used to describe the profession of agents in football. As the football industry has commercialized, the scope for agents to make huge money from the transfer market has brought eye-rolls from the “purists”. It is a common accusation levelled against agents that they make money off of the players’ talent, far more than the profession “deserves”. Furthermore, the issues of a low barrier of entry, grey areas in terms of qualifications needed, and accusations of corruption have done a lot to sully the profession.
Also read: Conversation with Clifford Bloxham, one of the first registered agents in the UK
It is a breath of fresh air then, the story of Lindi Ngwenya. With a military background, she started working with the lesser-privileged sections of society, breaking barriers for women in a profession dominated by men. All this work is being done in her capacity as the founder of SISU Sports Management.
If the likes of Jorge Mendes (Cristiano Ronaldo’s agent) and Jonathan Barnett (Gareth Bale’s agent) represent the glamorous, and often unpopular part of being an agent, Lindi Ngwenya has expertly used her standing as an agent to become a vehicle for social mobility. Her work to bring through footballing talents from lesser privileged sections to self-sustenance has become an inspiration. Add to that her own life being an example of social mobility done right, Lindi Ngwenya is a shining example in the muddy world of football agents.
Lindi Ngwenya has shown the good that can be done as a football agent
Lindi Ngwenya sat with FootTheBall for an exclusive interview to talk about her journey so far, what drives her and her hopes for a more inclusive “Beautiful Game” in the near future.
NOTE: This interview has been lightly edited for brevity and clarity
Lindi, so great to have you with us. Please tell us about the work you do, your motivations and how fulfilling has it been…
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