Former Orlando Pirates and Marumo Gallants winger Mahlatsi ‘Skudu’ Makudubela has retired from football after his exit from Siwelele FC.
Skudu, 36, had joined Siwelele at the beginning of last season, but only made one appearance.
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The well-traveled player also featured for Wiliete SC, AS Vita Club and Young Africans, as well as Gallants in recent years. Earlier stages of his career saw him play for Platinum Stars and Golden Arrows before a move to the Buccaneers in 2016.
From the Buccaneers he joined Chippa United on loan before a permanent departure to Karvina B in Europe. However, the stint lasted just three days and Skudu continued playing at Highlands Park and AmaTuks before joining Gallants in 2021, featuring for them during their campaign in the CAF Confederation Cup.
On Thursday, the skilful winger who always lid up the stands with eKasi skills has called it time on his 17-year long career, saying the “coaching whistle is next”.
“After 17 incredible years in Professional Football, today I announce my retirement from the professional game,” he wrote on social media.
“From SAFA Transnet School of Excellence in 2004 to playing across South Africa, Czech Republic, Georgia, Tanzania, DRC and Angola — every jersey, every training session, every stadium has shaped me.
“My deepest gratitude to every club I represented:
Mamelodi Sundowns, Platinum Stars, Orlando Pirates, Chippa United, Highlands Park, University of Pretoria, Marumo Gallants, Siwelele FC, and to my brothers abroad at Karviná FK, FC Gagra, Young Africans SC, AS Vita Club, and Wiliete FC.
“Thank you to every coach, teammate, physio, kit man, and supporter who believed in me. The wins, the losses, the MTN8, Telkom Cup, NBC Premier League titles — I carry them all with pride.
“Football gave me everything. The discipline. The brotherhood. The love.
“The boots are hung up… The Coaching Whistle is next …
“With love and gratitude, Mahlatse “Skudu- Waziri wa Raha” Makudubela”