The International Players’ Union, FIFPRO continues to appreciate the efforts of the men and women who have dedicated their lives to helping improve the fortunes of professional footballers in their jurisdiction.

In their latest segment, “People of the Union” puts the spotlight on one of our very own key personalities driving the success of the PFAG in her own right.

 

Catherine Brenya is the Professional Footballers Association of Ghana’s Human Resource and Administrative Manager. Brenya talks about her passion for empowering players through education and preparing them for life after football.

 

FIFPRO: Tell us about yourself: what is your current role and what is your background? 

Catherine Brenya: I’m the Human Resource and Administrative Manager for the Professional Footballers Association of Ghana (PFAG). After graduating with a degree in Management Studies, I joined the union on 30 June 2014. In 2020, I earned a master’s degree in Human Resource Management, which has greatly enhanced my ability to support and strengthen the union’s operations.

My role typically involves overseeing day-to-day operations, managing organisational resources, and contributing to strategic decision-making. A key part of my work is also ensuring that PFAG has qualified and motivated staff who are committed to advancing the mission and vision of the union. Working at PFAG has been both a learning journey and a source of deep fulfilment.

What issue affecting player welfare are you most passionate about? 

The issue I feel most strongly about is contractual and job security. Being the first point of contact for most players’ concerns, I have seen how damaging, unclear or unfair contracts can be. Many players sign agreements without fully understanding the terms often due to hidden clauses or vague language which leaves them vulnerable when it comes to wages, transfers, injury protection, and other fundamental rights.

PFAG provides ongoing support to address this issue by offering education to help players better understand their rights and make informed decisions and legal representation when they are faced with contractual issues. However, more can and must be done. Stronger regulations, increased access to legal advice, and ongoing education are critical to truly safeguarding players and ensuring they are treated fairly throughout their careers.

 

Can you share one of your proudest moments or achievements working as a union representative? 

Helping a former professional footballer who had fallen into drug addiction after retirement. He was once a well-known player, but life after football hit hard. He turned to drugs, and by the time PFAG got wind of it, his health was in serious decline. As a union, we acted quickly, raised funds, and got him into rehab. I stayed closely involved throughout, attending his progress meetings, ensuring he had all he needed during rehab and supporting him through every stage of his recovery.

After more than a year of being in rehab, we saw tremendous progress. He started to come back to himself; physically, emotionally, and mentally. Though he passed away some time after leaving rehab, his final days were marked with hope, joy, and a sense of fulfilment.

It was heartbreaking, but also deeply humbling. I’m proud we could be there for him when he needed it most. It also reinforced something I now carry with me always: we are all responsible for our health and wellbeing, but no one should have to face life’s hardest moments alone.

What is one lesson you have learned from working closely with players?

That education cannot be overemphasised. While many players are focused on developing their talent on the pitch, I have seen firsthand how important it is for them to also invest in their education. A football career can be unpredictable and, in many cases, short-lived. Injuries, contract issues, or early retirement can completely alter a player’s path. Without a solid educational foundation – formal and informal – many players find themselves unprepared for life after football.

Beyond preparing for life after their playing days, education also empowers players to make more informed decisions during their career – be it understanding a contract, managing their finances, or even communicating effectively with clubs and agents. Education gives them the confidence and tools to advocate for themselves. Players who continue to learn and grow off the field often demonstrate better discipline, adaptability, and leadership. They understand the value of planning for the future and are more likely to succeed beyond football.

 

How do you stay motivated as a woman working in the football industry?

Working in a male-dominated space can be challenging, but I remain motivated by the knowledge that my work impacts players’ lives and empowers younger women to believe they can succeed with dignity in any environment. It has never been about holding a position; I am driven by purpose, committed to creating change, and contributing meaningfully to a football industry that values equality and inclusiveness.

 

 

Who are the women – inside or outside of football – who have inspired your journey in this field?

Mercy Tagoe-Quarcoo. Her journey from being a national team player to becoming a coach, and being a strong advocate for women’s football in Ghana, has shown what is possible when passion meets hard work. She has carved out a path defined by resilience and leadership. She was the first woman to coach a national football team in Ghana, and she did so with poise and competence, often under intense scrutiny. She has faced numerous challenges that come with breaking barriers in a traditionally male space, yet she continues to lead with grace and conviction.

 

What is an emerging issue for players that you think needs more attention?

Gender disparity in football. While women’s football has gained visibility in recent times, there is still a major disparity in pay, resources, opportunities, and support compared to men’s football. Addressing this disparity through fair investment, stronger representation, equal opportunities and better infrastructure will play a vital role in advancing both gender inclusion and the overall integrity of football.

What is your all-time favourite football memory?

Ghana’s U-20 team winning the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2009. It was more than just a football match – it was a historic and emotional moment for Ghana and the entire African continent. Watching our young team win on penalties against a strong Brazil side was an unforgettable experience. I remember watching with my family, all of us holding our breath, and then erupting in celebration. It was the first time an African country had claimed the title, and the sense of national pride was overwhelming.

That victory ignited hope across the country and inspired countless young players to believe in their dreams. The unity and pure joy that swept through Ghana in that moment is something I’ll never forget. It still gives me goosebumps and reminds me of football’s incredible ability to unite people and lift spirits.

 

Outside of football, what’s been capturing your attention or interest lately?

I have recently become drawn to the quieter beauty of everyday life, different cultures, nature, and wellbeing. This interest provides a much-needed counterbalance to the intensity of my professional life. I explore these areas through travel, research, social media, and conversations with people. Normally, I wouldn’t go out of my way to strike a conversation with strangers, but my growing appreciation for everyday beauty has made me more curious and open. These unexpected interactions often reveal small, meaningful moments and new perspectives that deepen my understanding and appreciation of life.

FIFPRO turns 60 this year-what gives you hope about the future of our union work, the game and those who play it?

Sixty strong years of standing up for players’ rights, wellbeing, and dignity is proof that FIFPRO is doing something right.   It is a legacy that inspires confidence in the future of our union work. What gives me hope is the growing sense of unity and awareness among players around the world. Today, players are more informed, more connected, and more empowered to speak up not only about conditions on the pitch, but also about mental health, fair treatment, and life beyond football.

I am also encouraged by the increasing inclusion and representation across the union, from the expanding support for women’s football to the growing diversity in leadership at the highest levels. These changes reflect a broader shift towards a game that is more future-focused.

This progress reinforces the importance of what we do as a union. We are not just protecting the game we all love, we are helping to evolve it for the next generation, and I am proud to be part of that evolution and excited to see how far we can go together.