LIFE AFTER FOOTBALL: ESSA PIUS TABI
In all honesty a majority of Footballers across the world struggle to make ends meet after hanging their boots.
In Africa the situation is even worse with former Football legends wallowing in abject poverty. Stories have been reported of some of these super stars not being able to afford basic needs. Most of their pathetic stories is from grace to grass for short.
Although the African system does not provide a clear cut transition for life after football, lack of education can be factored as the major impediment for most athletes after retirement.
In Cameroon,a footballing nation in Central Africa, which has produced several world class super stars; ironically some of these retired footballers survive at the mercy of the state and well-wishers.
One of the very few footballers who has successfully transcended from footballer to Multi-billion business magnet is ESSA Pius Tabi.
The story of ESSA Pius is a shining example which will continue to inspire several generations. An indomitable Lion on and off the pitch.
Born November 22 1972, in Kumba, Meme Division of the Southwest Region of Cameroon, Essa played for Ajax Kumba, CAMARK Kumba, Victoria United and Provoyance as a Prolific defender.
Essa was selected to join the Junior National team of Cameroon. In 1991 ESSA was part of the team which won gold medal at the All Africa Games in Egypt. He was named Defender of the tournament with Cameroon clinching gold without conceding any goal.
This exploits will pave a way for ESSA to recieve a call up to join the Indomitable Lions.
He was However, controversially dropped from the final squad at the 1994 FIFA WORLD CUP. Till date ESSA Cannot explained what happened.
Disappointed about his non inclusion, ESSA who was a Law student decided to travel abroad in late 94 for greener pastures.
In the US the defender abandoned law for health sciences and quickly excelled backing a Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management from the University of Alabama Birmingham and a Masters Degree in Business Administration with specialization in Healthcare Management from the University of Phoenix, Columbus Campus, Ohio.
Essa told Knnews.infos how he started his first company. In his words “I started my first health care agency called Homeland Health Services in 2006, employed lots of people, and my business was successful.
“After the company in Columbus Ohio, I opened another in Detroit Michigan. In Detroit, my company was named Homeland Home/Health Services.
“I then moved to Pennsylvania where I opened Homeland, Home Care services. I basically had four companies in the US.”
Returning home after 11 years abroad ESSA decided to opened the International Community Reference Health Care Complex in Buea and Douala as a way of giving back to his community.
As a former footballer, ESSA has a soft touch for his colleagues. To them, he grants 50% discount for all services rendered them in his medical outfit, the International Community Referral Hospital, Buea, Douala. He also allocates 30% reduction to ANAFOOT and 15% to other football stakeholders, including referees, coaches and club presidents. It is part of his contribution “in giving back to his nation”, with unquenchable passion. Essa told Knnews.infos
The Accomplished ex Footballer bought Continental Football Academy of Buea, a club which offers massive opportunities for young Footballers.
In his hometown ESSA operated and Orphanage for 10 years, bringing hope to the underprivileged in his community, providing material and financial support to thousands.
Essa Pius a multi-buisness guru is also a member of the Executive Committee of the Cameroon Football Federation.
ESSA who hails from Manyu division in the Southwest Region is married and a proud father of 4 kids.
His rise from a disgruntled footballer to a successful billionaire is simply a courageous story of hope, hardwork, resilience and determination made possible by Education.
