Heart problem forces ex-Ajax Cape Town star into retirement
Just like Zambia’s Enock Mwepu, a former Ajax Cape Town midfielder has revealed how a hereditary heart problem forced him to hang his boots.
At 29, Zimbabwean Archford Gutu announced his decision to end his career, having last played for Dynamos in 2019.
The former Ajax Cape Town midfielder issued a statement on Wednesday revealing his decision.
ARCHFORD GUTU REVEALS HIS ORDEAL
But the former midfielder told Zimbabwe’s Standard newspaper that a hereditary heart problem was the main reason for his retirement.
“I announced my retirement from professional football last week, and I’m actually a heartbroken man, and I have been for some time now.
“This is because of a family heart-related issue. My mother passed away because of heart problems, and I have a heart condition. That’s why I stopped football,” Gutu said.
The ex-Ajax Cape Town star also said he was involved in a car accident that further deteriorated his health.
“It’s the first time revealing to the public about the heart issue. Only close friends and family know about it.
“I also had a car accident when I was driving home alone, and the car overturned a couple of years back. I haven’t quite recovered from that,” Gutu said.
HOW ARCHFORD GUTU FARED DURING HIS CAREER
Besides his brief stint at Ajax Cape Town from July 2009 to July 2010, Gutu also played for Dynamos, Shooting Stars and CAPS United in Zimbabwe.
He also spent time in Sweden, where he played for Kalmar FF and IFK Varnamo.
“I am very happy with what I have achieved, winning the championship with two of the biggest teams in Zimbabwe.
“On top of it, I represented Zimbabwe at all levels and was the first Zimbabwean to play in Sweden.
“Just breaking through to play in Europe was my dream, and I believe everyone else dreams of playing overseas.
“I won Cosafa Cup with U17 as captain, the U-20 and with the national team
“But I will forever be involved. Football is my passion, my life. That’s the other of many reasons. I came up with the idea to have a football academy.”
In the Zimbabwe national team, Gutu also played alongside Khama Billiat and Knowledge Musona.
Currently, Gutu is running a football academy he established in 2021. The budding Archford Gutu Football Academy is based in Harare, Zimbabwe’s Capital.
“It was formed at the end of the year in 2021, and the dream is to help boys and girls to achieve their footballing goals through AG Academy,” Gutu said.
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