By Ntokozo Magongo
The sky is the limit for former Mbabane Swallows winger Darren ‘Dazza’ Christie.
After his football career ended, Christie graduated with a Masters’s in Environment Engineering at the University of Turku in Finland where he is currently based.
The former national team, Sihlangu player is not new in furthering his studies overseas as he also graduated from the University of Delaware in South of New Jersey in the United States of America (USA) alongside his former team-mate at Swallows Mfanafuthi ‘Taribo’ Bhembe. They were beneficiaries of the US Sports Scholarships.
READ MORE: Education gets E4bn from budget
The University of Turku located in Turku in south-western Finland, is the third largest university in the country. While in the USA, Christie played football and he excelled as he even drew the attention of MLS side LA Galaxy. He also had a chance of training in Denmark where he joined Esbjerg BF for a short period.
Dazza confirmed on Monday that he graduated after completing his studies last week. He said it has not been easy, but he was happy that he made it. He said education is a life saviour and he encouraged other football players who still had the chance to further their education to do so.
“Education and football do go together. Football is a short career. I wish every player can always think of the future and what will happen when he retires from football. I encourage those who still have a chance to further their studies to do so and they won’t regret it,” he said.
READ MORE: Eswatini on par with EU countries on free education and healthcare
He highlighted that at first, it was not easy, but he was encouraged by those who have done it before him like Taribo Bhembe and Lwazi ‘Zidane’ Maziya to mention but a few.
‘Dazza’, a wing wizard renowned for his silky skills, last played for Manzini Sea Birds here at home before he called it a day in football. Christie thanked his guardian, top lawyer Sidumo Mdladla for his cue and guidance. Christie shared a special message sent to Mdladla.
“I have been for years trying to figure out a way to say thank you for saving my life but then how do you equate anything tangible or intangible for a life saved? Today, I fulfil another one of my life dreams. When I look back I can’t help but acknowledge how instrumental you have been. Salute. Forever grateful,” Christie wrote in a short message to the Ezulwini United Director.
