Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Thandani Ntshumayelo has called time on his football career.
The news came on Thursday morning, with Thandani Ntshumayelo making the announcement via a statement on his official Twitter account.
“After careful consideration and lengthy consultations with my family, I have decided to officially announce my retirement from football with immediate effect,” said the ex-PSL star.
“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.”
In his first season in the Premiership, Ntshumayelo at 19 showed maturity beyond his years, marshaling the midfield, making 20 league appearances as SuperSport United clinched their third successive championship.
Ntshumayelo went on to join Pirates on a three-year deal in 2012 after his impressive spell at Matsatsantsa. The 33-year-old spent close to five years at Pirates, where he also won the DStv Premiership title.
In the of Bucs, Ntshumayelo featured in 98 matches for the club before the four-year ban from football after he had tested positive for cocaine in 2016.
THANDANI NTSHUMAYELO STRUGGLED AFTER THE BAN
However, he was cleared to play football as Ntshumayelo was successful in an appeal to cut the initial four-year ban to two years. A few months after his ban was lifted, he got a new lease on life. Bidvest Wits invited him to train with the club.
He then joined Baroka in a three-month spell towards the end of the 20218/19 season and featured once for the Limpopo side.
After the short Baroka stint, he was clubless for a while before penning a one-year contract with Swallows in 2021, where he attempted to resurrect his career at the age of 31.
The Soweto side was his final club as Ntshumayelo was released by the Dube Birds in 2022 after failing to make an impact. He made only two appearances for the club before disappearing into oblivion.
NTSHUMAYELO EXPRESSES GRATITUDE TO FORMER CLUBS
In a statement, Ntshumayelo expressed his gratitude to all the DStv Premiership he played for. In addition he sent a message of appreciation to his family for the support they showed him.
‘”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,” said Ntshumayelo.
“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. 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.”
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