Baroka FC current captain and former Namibia vice-captain Ananias Junior Gebhardt has officially retired from playing football at the age of 37.
Gebhardt had already featured in eight matches for the club this season and missed only two games due to a red card.
He had been an integral part of the Baroka side since his arrival in 2018. It was also in the same season that the club achieved a historic feat, winning the Telkom Knockout, beating Orlando Pirates in the final.
He arrived in South Africa to play for Jomo Cosmos, where he spent two seasons.
BAROKA FC CAPTAIN HAS OFFICIALLY RETIRED FROM PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL
He was named captain of Baroka during the 2023/24 season. It was in the same season that Gebhardt was presented with a special jersey by club Chairman Khurishi Mphahlele for achieving the 150-match milestone.
This publication has gathered that Gebhardt formally informed the club of his decision on Tuesday, three days after he captained the side during the 3-1 win against Cape Town City.
It is said the decision has left the club hierarchy and fellow players shocked as it came unexpectedly, especially as he was considered a true role model and an important member of the squad.
ANANIAS JUNIOR GEBHARDT EXPLAINS WHY HE IS QUITTING FOOTBALL
FARPost also reached out to Gebhardt, who also confirmed that his career had come to an end. Gebhardt disclosed that his body could carry him anymore hence he decided to call it quits.
“I can’t play with a Voltaren pill every game, just to ease the pain. It’s enough now. It’s not worth it for my health in the long run,” he said when this publication reached out for confirmation.
Gebhardt officially retired from International football after the AFCON in the Ivory Coast last year.
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