Former Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns captain Ramahlwe Mphahlele calls time on 20-year career

Former Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns captain Ramahlwe Mphahlele has officially called time on his professional football career after almost two decades at the highest level.

The 36-year-old confirmed his retirement while speaking to Andile Ncube on Metro FM, bringing an end to a career that began when he broke into professional football as a teenager in 2007.

Mphahlele started out with the now-defunct Moroka Swallows before earning a move to Sundowns in 2011. His first season at Chloorkop proved difficult as he struggled to secure regular playing time, resulting in a loan move to AmaTuks for the 2012-13 campaign.

From Sundowns breakthrough to captaincy

The defender returned to Sundowns with Pitso Mosimane in charge and gradually established himself as an important member of the squad. His rise at the club eventually culminated in him being handed the captain’s armband.

Mphahlele’s six-year stay with the Brazilians ended in 2016 after he failed to reach an agreement on a new contract. He subsequently made a high-profile switch to Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs, where he would spend the next six seasons.

His time with Chiefs lasted from 2016 to 2022 before he moved to AmaZulu. The experienced defender then spent four seasons with the Durban-based club before bringing his playing career to a close.

Bafana career and lasting numbers

Mphahlele also represented South Africa at international level, earning 21 caps for Bafana Bafana after making his debut in 2016. He scored once during his international career.

At club level, his longevity is reflected in the numbers. Mphahlele retires with 413 top-flight appearances, having scored 10 goals and registered 19 assists.

His career included spells at some of South Africa’s biggest clubs and saw him transition from a promising teenager into an experienced defender and respected captain.

After nearly 20 years in professional football, Mphahlele has now decided to close that chapter, ending a career that took him from Moroka Swallows to the leadership of Sundowns, a lengthy spell at Chiefs and, ultimately, AmaZulu.