By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Mamelodi Sundowns veteran goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene has announced his retirement from football wth immediate effect.
Mweene,38, has been in professional football since 2003 at Lusaka Celtic in Zambia. He has gone on to play for Lusaka Dynamos, Kittery United, Free State Stars as well as Sundowns.
“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.”
The former Zambian international has spent 10 years at Masandawana and achieved great success. This includes the 2016 CAF Champions League triumph.