Hlompo Kekana Announces Retirement!

Hlompo Kekana Announces Retirement! He is undoubtedly one of the best players of our generation and a Mamelodi Sundowns legend with eight major Cups to his name, Hlompo Kekana is finally hanging his boots following a year of being a free agent.

The 37 year old took to social media to announce his retirement and honor his journey. Without giving away much, he also hinted at his future plans. Read his full retirement statement below.

As a kid growing up in Limpopo, I always knew that wanted to play football. I have spoken a few times in my career about how put up the bread money on football games as a kid. The people who knew me back then knew my crazy goals, and they clearly saw my passion for the game. And this passion led to me leaving home at a young age as took the first steps on what was an incredible journey. It hasn’t always been easy, there were sacrifices that I faced, and there were sacrifices from my family through the years. There have been many people who have played a role in me living the dream, who walked the path alongside me or supported me. Some were not around to share the successes but am sure they were looking down with pride.

I can’t start thanking people by name. There are too many people for that. The truth is our journey is touched by everyone we cross paths with. The one-off interaction with a fan, the informal chats with the media, the PlayStation competitions with the teammates, the inspirational speeches from coaches, the hotel, airport, club staff members, the friends who help you switch off from football, the list is endless…. can’t name everyone. But my mom does deserve her own mention. Her sacrifices allowed me to chase my dream, the advice she continues to give, filled with wisdom, even if sometimes was too young to fully understand the value.

It’s been an enjoyable journey, filled with so many highlights. My experiences from the day I left home as a kid up to now, has played a role in shaping the person am. And hopefully my journey can inspire the next generation. This crazy boy from Zebediela won some trophies, was part of history-making squads. I’ve played with and been coaches by some of SA’s best. I shared the field with the world’s best. I’ve lived the dream and hope that the kids in the villages will look at me and know that they should dream, that there is greatness in every one of them.

I know everyone will ask what is next. am enjoying my work at SABC. And am putting together my next set of dreams and seeing what opportunities arise.