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.