Hope FC striker Ruzaigh Gamildien to retire at end of season

Veteran forward Ruzaigh Gamildien will retire from football at the end of the current campaign, regardless of whether Hope FC achieve promotion to the Betway Premiership.

The 37-year-old made the announcement days before Hope FC face Cape Town City in the Motsepe Foundation Championship at Athlone Stadium on Sunday, with kick-off at 15:00.

The fixture is expected to divide Cape Town, with Hope FC representing the red side and Cape Town City the blue. The two teams are separated by one place in the early league table.

Cape Town City are seventh after one win, one draw and one defeat from their opening three matches. Hope FC sit above them, having won two and lost one.

Gamildien, who has played in several Cape Town derbies during spells with clubs including Milano and Cape Town Spurs, believes the match will provide a significant opportunity for younger players.

“From a neutral perspective, I think this will be an interesting encounter,” he told KickOff.

“I think this is also the ideal platform for the younger players to make their mark.

“This is what any young player from Cape Town dreams of, you know. To play in Athlone Stadium in front of your family and friends. It’s magic.

“Not to mention if you score a winning goal or contribute positively?” he added.

The former derby participant has enjoyed a career spanning 16 years and has represented 13 different clubs.

During that time, Gamildien has won the Telkom Cup, MTN8 and Motsepe Foundation Championship league title, among other honours.

His final season will therefore conclude with Hope FC’s promotion prospects still to be decided, but his retirement plans will not depend on the outcome of the campaign.

Sunday’s meeting will give Cape Town City the chance to climb the table, while Hope FC will aim to strengthen their position above their local rivals.