Former Orlando Pirates attacking midfielder Luvuyo Memela, who remains unattached, has opened up on the unfair treatment of players over the age of 30 in South Africa.
Memela was released by Chippa United at the end of the previous season. This was the end of his second spell with the Chilli Boys.
Despite the option to extend his contract, the coaching staff decided against keeping him on for the upcoming season.
The 36-year-old claims that players of his age are often treated as if they are unable to train at the same level as younger teammates.
MEMELA SAYS OLD PLAYERS ALSO TRAIN AS YOUNG PLAYERS
“At the age of 36, there’s this thing that you’re old, you’re a madala,” Memela said during the exclusive interview with FARPost.
“But still you do all the sessions, it’s not like you sit on the side and not gym because you’re old. You do everything that everyone does.
“The running, you’re there, competing with them, you’re there which is good for anyone.
“But that in South Africa will always be there.”
The former Richards Bay FC attacker, Memela believes that this age discrimination leads to many talented players retiring prematurely.
LUVUYO MEMELA ON OLD PLAYERS’ UNFAIR TREATMENT – ‘YOU’RE NOT YOUR AGE’
“Sometimes, I feel like some of the players retire not because they can’t play but it’s because football in South Africa is…
“I understand when you have to sit on the bench for a young player that’s good. You can sit on the side and watch them. It motivates you and excites you. But the one of age, I think there’s a lot of players who stop playing not because they’re good enough. It’s because there are lots of politics and how you’re being called.
“At the end of the day you’re not your age, we are all players. If one can deliver, play the guy. You look at Andile Mbenyane, when you sit on the side watching him play, you’re like, ‘this guy is on another level’.
“You don’t understand during the weekend when he doesn’t even make the team,” he added.
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