Kickoff (Cape Town)
21 November 2008
The reality of being forced into an early retirement from football has prompted former Moroka Swallows defender Bjorn Gugger to venture into business outside the game.
Gugger is suffering from a severe Achilles tendon injury that has troubled him for the past three years. As a result of the injury, he was only able to play six games during the time he spent in the Birds' Nest.
"My girlfriend and I have opened a massage parlour here in Centurion. She studied massaging and so we decided to go into partnership as she has all the knowledge.
"It is a business which I hope will grow through some of the football connections that I have. However, it is only a small investment and is not really my direction of interest in the long term," says Gugger.
Though still hopeful of playing football again, Gugger admits he is not in a hurry.
"It is never a nice experience as a footballer to be out of contract and suffering with a long-term injury. While the recovery process is showing signs of progressing, it still needs a lot of time.
"I am going to be patient with this injury and will only return to the game once it has been completely ascertained that I will never be troubled with it again.
"I am not even sure when and if I will return to the game, but I remain hopeful because I love it.
"While missing the game hurts, it is also straining to be unemployed. I am doing a bit of gym work and getting to move around which is helping to overcome much of my frustration. If ever I return then I will have to do proper pre-season training with a club first before anything else," he says.
The 28-year-old suffered his latest setback while training with TUKS and preparing to leave for Iceland.
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