Sameehg Doutie announced his retirement from football on Friday at the age of 32, citing the struggle to find a club since he parted ways with the now-defunct Bidvest Wits back in 2019.
In a career spanning 12 years, Doutie won the Premiership title with Orlando Pirates in 2012, the Indian Super League with Atletico de Kolkata in 2016 and several cup competitions in the colours of Ajax Cape Town and SuperSport United.
He featured for South Africa at the under-23 level and was part of the Amajita national side that qualified for the under-20 World Cup in Egypt in 2009.
“Goodbye to the beautiful game. To my entire family, former coaches, former teammates, friends and supporters, I appreciate you guys and love you all,” said Doutie, who also had stints in India at Jamshedpur and Sweden’s Värnamo.
“Praises to the Almighty above, for all the blessings, everything would not have been possible without the Almighty, Shukran ALLAH for everything ALGHAMDULILAH.”
The 32-year-old released a statement reflecting on his career in South Africa and abroad.
“As I embark, I will leave you with beautiful memories: Ajax Cape Town, my home, where you raised me from being a boy to a grown man, where I learned life through football, and I will always be grateful for that. We created beautiful memories within a short space of time,” he added.
“Orlando Pirates, thank you for letting me achieve the dream of playing for one of SA’s most prominent teams, if not in Africa. We also had beautiful memories. SuperSport United. Thank you for reviving me and bringing me to Pretoria. My heart will always be blue, and we created beautiful memories together.
“Atletico De Kolkata, thank you for giving me my first opportunity ever out of my home country. We also became the Champions of India, and me being the best passer in the league with the most assists in the ISL. Sweden Varnamo. A different challenge – joining midway through the season, then trying to revive and save the team from relegation. I’m glad I could take you to the playoffs with my winning goal. Thank you for letting me experience Europe for the first time.’
Doutie added: “Bidvest Wits, thank you. I still had desired to achieve at least one trophy for you after everything you have done for me, and I will forever be grateful. In our last season, we finished fourth with seven points away from number one. Jamshedpur, thank you, this was the most challenging period ever knowing. I had injuries holding me back but thank you for being by my side and showing me you never gave up on a player. Thank you.
“South Africa, my homeland, went to a World Cup at the age of 20! We got recognition. You had a player named amongst the best XI at 23 in Africa. I will always wear the country’s badge in my heart as we flew the flag as high as possible.”
Full Statement from Doutie:
RELATED STORY: Senzo Mbatha parts ways with Tanzania’s Yanga
