Former Orlando Pirates and SuperSport United midfielder Thandani Ntshumayelo has decided to end his playing career at the age of 33.
Ntshumayelo made the announcement on Thursday with a statement shared on his official social media accounts.
The midfielder won two Premiership titles
The midfielder won two Premiership titles during his career, one at Pirates and the other with SuperSport. He made over 140 appearances in the top-flight with five goals and six assists to his name.
His career was halted when he was banned from football in 2016 after testing positive for cocaine. However, he appeared and the ban was lifted in 2018.
Ntshumayelo tried to get his career back on track as he trained with Bidvest Wits before signing a short-term contract with Baroka, where he had little success.
His final club was Swallows, who released him in 2022 following an unsuccessful one-year stint.
In a long statement, the ex-Bafana Bafana midfielder stated that calling time on his career was not an easy decision to take.
“After careful consideration and lengthy consultations with my family, I have decided to officially announce my retirement from football with immediate effect,” he said.
“It’s a decision that I didn’t take lightly because football has been part of my entire life. I feel privileged to have realised my dream of becoming a professional footballer.”
Thandani Ntshumayelo delcration
The rest of the statement reads as follows: ”To my SuperSport United family, who gave me my big break to turn professional at the age of 18, I will forever be grateful for everything you have done for me.
”I want to thank SuperSport CEO Stan Matthews, academy coaches Godfrey Mosoetsa, Kwanele Kopo and coach Gavin Hunt who also became a father figure in my life, even in difficult times.
”A special thanks to the academy staff of SuperSport United and the aunties that took good care of us. It was also an honour to represent one of the biggest clubs in Africa, Orlando Pirates.
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”It is for this reason that I would like to express my gratitude to Dr Irvin Khoza for giving me the opportunity to represent this big institution. I will forever cherish the moment that I got to wear the Orlando Pirates jersey and fight for the badge.
”To my former teammates, thank you for the brotherhood and unforgettable memories we created together.”
”I would like to also thank my parents and partner who have always been there for me in good and bad times. I wouldn’t be in the man I am today without your love and support.
“To my son Leano, I love you and you inspire me to be a better person. A big thanks also go out to Tim Sukazi, my former teams Baroka and Swallows FC. To the fans, you have no idea how much your support means to me, I will not be lost to football and our paths will cross again.”