Sekhukhune United captain Linda Mntambo has retired from football at the age of 37, the player has announced.
The former Orlando Pirates & Chippa United attacker looks set to switch his soccer boots for the mic as an analyst.
On Wednesday afternoon, ‘Figo’ took to Instagram to announce his retirement from the beautiful game after over 15 years.
“Hi, my name is Linda ‘Figo’ Mntambo, and the biggest sacrifice I’ve had to make for my career is building a family and knowing that I will not be fully present dealing with my kids.
“Be there emotionally, see them grow fully, but it’s a sacrifice that I had to make for the beautiful career that I’ve had.
“I never thought this day would come so soon.
“Growing up as a young boy in Ezimhlophe, I’ve always wanted to turn professional and having lived that dream since 2013, has been a journey. A journey worth celebrating.
“Saying goodbye to something I’ve known for my entire life.
“I’ve faced injuries, I’ve faced turbulent times in my career. At times people wrote me off and I knew that I’ve only got myself to get back up.
“And today, I stand here to say, ‘Goodbye to a beautiful career’.
“They say good dancers know when to leave the stage. As tough as it is, I’m going to miss the game, but I’ll never be lost to it.
“With this, it’s me saying ‘Thank You. Thank You to football. People would not know me today if it wasn’t for football.
“Today, I’m officially announcing my retirement from football. Officially hanging my boots.
“One of the beautiful months of the year which is June, my birth month.
“I hope my kids will again look back at the career I’ve had and be proud of what Dad had to go through. Of what Dad built for the family.
“Today, the Mntambo clan are proud to say one of them were able to grace the field.
“With that, I wanna say, ‘Thank You Chairman Simon Malatji. Thank You CEO Jonas Malatji.
“Thank You Chairman for the opportunity you gave me for the past four years.”
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