Mamelodi Sundowns and former Zambian international goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene has explained his decision to hang up his glove.
The Tshwane giants announced Mweene’s retirement on Monday evening as he venture into goalkeeper coaching.
At some stage last season, Mweene did goalkeeper-coaching duties in several Sundowns’ matches, including against Orlando Pirates, putting his plan to become a coach into action while playing.
Mweene retires from football at the age of 38 and as a Sundowns legend. The club described the former African best goalie as one of “triumph, perseverance, and unwavering passion.
“He was a beacon of inspiration for aspiring footballers across the African continent,” the club said in a statement
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MWEENE’S ACHIEVEMENTS IN FOOTBALL
Mwene enjoyed a stellar career, winning numerous trophies. He clinched eight Premiership titles in SA, two Nedbank Cups, two Telkom Knockout titles, a coveted CAF Champions League crown, and the glorious CAF Super Cup.
In addition, the PSL legend also won the 2012 AFCON title with Zambia and made over 120 appearances on the international stage.
“I am hanging up my boots and gloves because I think I have played my part at both national level and club level,” said Kennedy Mweene.
“Thank you so much to everyone who has contributed to my life. Most of the coaches I’ve gone through have made me a better person, a better player as well; it was a successful career, and I don’t think it could have happened anywhere else apart from Mamelodi Sundowns.
“My ten years at Sundowns as a football player has been emotional. I’ve shared the dressing room with a lot of good players at Sundowns, and now it’s time to celebrate. I’ve achieved all these things because of the people around me.
“Football has taken me to places I never dreamt that one day I’d be able to share the same pitch with some of the great players that Africa has ever offered.”