While Adelaide United fans know Bruce Djite best for his on-field exploits as a talismanic striker, here are some things you may not know about him away from the pitch.
The 32-year-old was officially appointed the Club’s Director of Football on Monday after he announced his retirement from the game in April.
Studying a Bachelor of Business
Djite is just a few subjects away from completing a Bachelor of Business degree at Griffith University.
On the PFA Board
While with the Reds, he spent more than four years on the Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) Board between 2012 and 2016, and was a key member in negotiating the whole-of-football collective bargaining agreement, pertaining to the Caltex Socceroos, Westfield Matildas, Hyundai A-League and Westfield W-League. As a result Bruce has established an intimate knowledge of the Hyundai A-League salary cap and the Australian football landscape.
Ambassador for charities
Djite has previously served as an ambassador for All Together Now, an Australian national charity focused on eradicating racism, he is also an ambassador of Roger Rasheed’s Sports Foundation, in addition to the Little Heroes Foundation which is a local South Australian organisation assisting seriously ill children and their families.
Investment
Bruce is a keen venture capitalist and investor in private equity.
Worked at an accounting firm
Djite also worked part-time at PKF Accounting Firm in Adelaide, while playing for the Reds in 2016.
Fluent in French
Did you know Bruce Djite is fluent in French due to his West African heritage? His father was born in Ivory Coast while his mother was born in Togo.
Adelaide United playing career profile (2006-2008) (2011-2016):
Total matches: 158
Total Goals: 41
Trophies: 3
Personal accolades: 3
Other notable stints
Gençlerbirliği SK: 33 games, 6 goals
Gold Coast United: 23 games, 10 goals
Suwon FC: 39 games, 11 goals
International career
Caltex Socceroos: 9 games