Thandani Ntshumayelo announces retirement from football
June 22, 2023
Former Bafana Bafana midfielder Thandani Ntshumayelo has announced his retirement from football.
Ntshumayelo, whose career started at SuperSport United, also played for Orlando Pirates, Baroka FC and Swallows.
His career started brightly but it was left in tatters in 2016 when he was banned after testing positive for cocaine.
He returned to the game in 2018 but was never able to rediscover the form that made his star shine so brightly before the ban.
Announcing his retirement the 33-year-old paid tribute to all those who helped him on his journey.
“After lengthy consultation with my family, I’ve decided to officially announce my retirement from football with immediate effect.
“It’s a decision that I didn’t take lightly because football has been part of my life. I feel privileged to have realised my dream of becoming a professional footballer.
“To my SuperSport United family, who gave me my big break to turn professional at the age of 18, I will forever be grateful for everything you have done for me.
“I want to thank SuperSport CEO Stan Matthews, academy coaches Godfrey Mosoetsa, Kwanele Kopo and coach Gavin Hunt who also became a father figure in my life, even in difficult times.
“A special thanks to the academy staff of SuperSport United and the aunties that took good care of us. It was also an honor to represent one of the biggest clubs in Africa, Orlando Pirates.
“It is for this reason that I would like to express my gratitude to Dr. Irvin Khoza for giving me the opportunity to represent this big institution. I will forever cherish the moment that I got to wear the Orlando Pirates jersey and fight for the badge.
“To my former teammates, thank you for the brotherhood and unforgettable memories we created together,” he wrote in a statement that was released on Thursday morning.
Ntshumayelo, who made his debut for Bafana Bafana against Tanzania in 2011 played 78 times for Pirates and 35 times for Matsatsantsa.
His statement ended with thanks to his family for their support. “I would like to also thank my parents and partner who have always been there for me in good and bad times. I wouldn’t be in the man I am today without your love and support,” he wrote.
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Thandani Ntshumayelo announces retirement from football
Former Bafana Bafana midfielder Thandani Ntshumayelo has announced his retirement from football.
Ntshumayelo, whose career started at SuperSport United, also played for Orlando Pirates, Baroka FC and Swallows.
His career started brightly but it was left in tatters in 2016 when he was banned after testing positive for cocaine.
He returned to the game in 2018 but was never able to rediscover the form that made his star shine so brightly before the ban.
Announcing his retirement the 33-year-old paid tribute to all those who helped him on his journey.
“After lengthy consultation with my family, I’ve decided to officially announce my retirement from football with immediate effect.
“It’s a decision that I didn’t take lightly because football has been part of my life. I feel privileged to have realised my dream of becoming a professional footballer.
“To my SuperSport United family, who gave me my big break to turn professional at the age of 18, I will forever be grateful for everything you have done for me.
“I want to thank SuperSport CEO Stan Matthews, academy coaches Godfrey Mosoetsa, Kwanele Kopo and coach Gavin Hunt who also became a father figure in my life, even in difficult times.
“A special thanks to the academy staff of SuperSport United and the aunties that took good care of us. It was also an honor to represent one of the biggest clubs in Africa, Orlando Pirates.
“It is for this reason that I would like to express my gratitude to Dr. Irvin Khoza for giving me the opportunity to represent this big institution. I will forever cherish the moment that I got to wear the Orlando Pirates jersey and fight for the badge.
“To my former teammates, thank you for the brotherhood and unforgettable memories we created together,” he wrote in a statement that was released on Thursday morning.
Ntshumayelo, who made his debut for Bafana Bafana against Tanzania in 2011 played 78 times for Pirates and 35 times for Matsatsantsa.
His statement ended with thanks to his family for their support. “I would like to also thank my parents and partner who have always been there for me in good and bad times. I wouldn’t be in the man I am today without your love and support,” he wrote.