Banyana Banyana star Ode Fulutudilu has officially announced her retirement from the beautiful game at the age of 33.
The frontwoman took to socials to write an emotional letter to her former clubs and supporters about her decision to call it quits from the beautiful game.
Fulutudilu has previously played for clubs in South Africa, Finland, Spain, Scotland, and France.
Some of the clubs she represented are Lee Flames, Oulu Nice Soccer, Malanga, Glasgow City, Aland United, to mention a few.
She was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ode and her family initially arrived in South Africa as refugees.
The talented goal poacher made her debut for Banyana in 2014 and was a member of the squad that participated in the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup held in France.
ODE FULUTUDILU OFFICIAL STATEMENT
“I would like to be candid and honest with you all. The past few years the sacrifices that I was making to play soccer were beginning to feel unbalanced with what I have been getting out of it. My husband has always been amazing and supportive, allowing me to unconditionally pursue my dream instead of having me at home beside him for the first five years of our marriage,” read the statement.
“There were many times when I was away from home, playing soccer yet struggling internally. I would think to myself “why am I doing this to myself? I have a husband at home who loves me and I’m not even happy here”. The sacrifices I was making did not seem to be paying off. I was beginning to wonder if it was worth it.
“I am assuming I am not alone in these sentiments. Every sports person has to come face to face with the disappointment that inevitably comes when the end of their career is a lot closer than they’d like to admit.
ODE FULUTUDILU GAVE HER ALL AT TRAINING
“I was giving 100% in training but in the end even that wasn’t enough to give me a decent amount of game time. The thing is, I was becoming more of a fixture of the bench than on the field.
“I understand that this should of course to be expected, but I wasn’t prepared or ready to accept this. (Is anyone?) My heart felt like it was being torn into a million pieces. As my love and passion for the game was being replaced with resentment, anger and frustration. I honestly wasn’t sure how to handle these feelings.
“So, with that said as my ode to soccer I am announcing my retirement from this beautiful game. I hope to continue to be part of the women’s soccer community. And that is why I started this blog and website. With this blog I can continue to help build and spread the love and passion of the game from a female’s perspective.
“I am excited to be interviewing professional players that I have the honor of playing with or met over the years to share their journeys and help build a female soccer community with my merchandise and blog.”
RELATED STORY: Why Ode Fulutudilu has no desire to play in SA’s Women’s League
