Former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Darren Keet has explained the reason behind his decision to retire at the end of the current campaign.
The veteran shot-stopper made the revelation following Durban City FC’s Nedbank Cup triumph on Saturday night. The KwaZulu-Natal outfit secured the title with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over TS Galaxy at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
Keet has been a pillar of strength for Durban City since his arrival from Cape Town City FC at the start of the campaign.
His performances have been consistent, racking up 12 clean sheets in the Betway Premiership and two in the Nedbank Cup, playing a pivotal role in the club’s silverware success.
So far, Keet has featured in 33 games, kept 14 clean sheets, and conceded 29 goals across all competitions.
WHY DARREN KEET IS HANGING UP HIS GLOVES
Despite being in fine form, the 34-year-old explained that he wants to leave the game while he is still performing at the highest level.
“So, I’m calling it quits at the end of the season. The Nedbank Cup was my first, and the Nedbank Cup is my last,” Keet told the media in Polokwane.
“I want to get my coaching career started, and there’s no better time than now, at the end of the season. I’m going to end it now; I’m not going to wait for my form to decline and then call it quits. I’m going to end it on high.”
Beyond professional aspirations, Keet revealed that this is a decision he took together with his family last year in October.
“I decided on this in October last year after my wife told me that she was sick of living in Cape Town while I was here on my own,” he admitted. “She has to look after the children while I get to train and play golf, and I go back home every day.
“So, my wife told me that she wasn’t going to do that again this year after the season ended. That’s when I decided, okay, it’s cool, and I will try to get a coaching job. But I want to focus on this club before the season comes to an end.”
AN EMOTIONAL DAY FOR DARREN KEET IN POLOKWANE AFTER WINNING NEDBANK CUP
The victory in Polokwane provided an emotional moment for Keet, made even more special by the presence of his loved ones in the stands.
“It’s nice to enjoy these moments, especially for my family to celebrate my last trophy. I hope they enjoyed it. My dad cried a bit, but I haven’t cried yet. However, when I saw some other players crying, I felt like crying too,” Keet added.
“It’s tears of joy at the moment and happy tears overall. But it is very special for me to have my family here [my parents, my wife, and my kids]; it’s just awesome overall.”
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