Ex-Orlando Pirates DStv Diski Challenge midfielder Siyabonga Buda has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 24.
The attacking midfielder joined Pirates DDC side in 2016 from the Augusto Palacios academy after raising his hand as one of the best young players in South Africa.
Buda arrived at the Pirates reserve side and made a name for himself with his ability to dictate the game in the middle of the park and score goals.
The 24-year-old played with notable Bafana Bafana stars Thabiso Monyane and Lyle Foster, who also came through the Pirates reserve side.
Despite showing great potential, Buda was unfortunate not to gain promotion to the club’s senior team, watching a handful of his peers get first-team contracts.
After the challenging time in the DDC, Buda was sent to the Pirates feeder team, Pele Pele, in the past few years to compete in the ABC Motsepe League.
BUDA TELLS YOUNG FOOTBALLERS TO KEEP GOING NO MATTER HOW IT HURTS
The Daveyton-born midfielder left Pele Pele and joined Hout Bay United in the Western Cape ABC Motsepe League last season.
Following his one-season stint at Hout Bay, Buda has taken to Instagram to announce his abrupt retirement from football.
The promising talent who was dubbed as one future stars worked under the former Mamelodi Sundowns coach, Michael Loftman, at Hout Bay in the previous season.
“I’m officially hanging up my boots, I just want to say thank you to everyone who supported me throughout my career,” Buda said on Instagram.
“I thank the game for teaching me so many things, not just being a football player. Much love, and I would like to say to all the youngsters, keep on pushing no matter how it hurts, but just keep your head down and work hard.”
RELATED STORY: Arrows land former Sundowns frontman Jerome Karelse