Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene has announced his retirement from football with immediate effect.
The Afcon winner with Zambia, who was capped over 120 times, has spent almost two decades in South Africa joining Free State Stars back in 2005 before making the move to Sundowns eight years later.
He would go on to win 16 trophies with the club, including eight league titles and the CAF Champions League.
He was already phased into coaching under Rulani Mokwena last year and is expected tp continue that journey.
“Today,I announce the end of my playing career,” he stated.
“Firstly, I want to be thankful to the people who have been a part of my journey. My family, my two sisters, my two brothers, friends, coaches and lastly soccer fans across the borders especially the Yellow nation, your support means a lot to me, we have memories and experiences that we will cherish forever.
“Secondly, thank you to my previous clubs in (Zambia) State House FC, Lusaka Celtics FC and Kitwe United FC and in (South Africa) Free State Stars and where I have collected a lot of trophies Mamelodi Sundowns FC were I just retired.
“Thank you to all the players that I have shared the change room with, the coaches, the support staff and most importantly thank you to the fans.
“I have fond memories of playing for my country (Zambia) till here in South Africa (Free State Stars) and recently with the (Mamelodi Sundowns) the Yellow Nation.
“I was raised by Auntie in a police camp and in a way football has been like a father to me, it has taught me life, working hard, being humble, staying focused and how regardless of our background we all come to play a game we all love.
“Football taught me how to be a man on and off the field and to be a better person, football has given me a chance to play against my heroes and share the same changing room with some of the best players both at the national team and at Sundowns like Teko [Modise], Surprise Moriri, Hlompo Kekana, Pelembe, Nyandoro, Chris Katongo, Chamanga, Issac Chansa, Rainford Kalaba, I can go on and on…..
“It’s fitting that my playing career has come full circle to end in South Africa (PSL) I can now say this chapter is turning to give me a chance to start a different role and give back what I have learned and experienced. Now I can’t wait to get started and really enjoy my other passion.
“Thank you to everyone including those who kept criticising me because they made me to mentally strong and who I am today. My blood will remain yellow and thank you football!!!! Till we meet again.”
