Mphahlele retires after 413-game career with Sundowns and Chiefs

Ramahlwe Mphahlele has officially retired from football after a career that included spells with Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs and the South Africa national team, Bafana Bafana.

The 36-year-old defender confirmed his decision while appearing on #SportsNightAmplified, bringing an end to a playing career in which he made 413 appearances and scored 10 goals. He also won 21 international caps for South Africa.

Mphahlele’s announcement comes only a few months after he rejected the possibility of taking up a non-playing position at AmaZulu because he remained determined to continue playing.

“There were offers made to me at AmaZulu, but I made it clear that I want to play a couple more seasons before I stop,” said the 36-year-old.

He explained that players reach the end of their careers at different points, depending on their personal circumstances and readiness to retire.

“I think it’s relative to each individual. It’s a time thing. My timing and your timing might differ. I had a conversation with Happy when he left Pirates, and he said he felt that he could play for one or two more seasons.”

Mphahlele began his development at the Turfloop Sport School of Excellence in Polokwane before progressing through the SuperSport Feyenoord Academy. His early senior career included time with Moroka Swallows and Mamelodi Sundowns.

A loan spell at the University of Pretoria under Steve Barker proved an important stage in his development. The right-back impressed during his time at the club and subsequently returned to Mamelodi Sundowns, where he worked under manager Pitso Mosimane from early 2013.

He moved to Kaizer Chiefs in 2016 and enjoyed an outstanding first season with the club. His performances earned him several club awards, including the Players’ Player of the Season trophy.

Mphahlele later recovered from an injury he suffered while representing South Africa at the African Nations Championship (CHAN). He was understood to have received offers from clubs before deciding that the time was right to end his playing career.

His retirement closes a career that took him through some of South Africa’s most prominent clubs and included domestic football at Moroka Swallows, Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs and the University of Pretoria, as well as international appearances for Bafana Bafana.