Kennedy Mweene, Zambia’s most-capped international player, has retired from football at the age of 38.
The 2012 Africa Cup of Nations winner told Bolanews that he has decided to hang up his boots after consulting his family.
“After consulting my family and, of course, listening to my body when it tells me it’s tired, I have decided to retire from football,” he told Bolanews in an exclusive interview.
“To the Zambian fans, I really want to thank you for the support you gave me when I was playing for my country. I want to appreciate each and everyone who has supported me through this journey.
“Since childhood, I’ve been where I am because of the many people who supported me. I say thank you”
Known for his penalty-saving and penalty-taking abilities, Mweene retires as one of Africa’s best goalkeepers, having won the PSL Goalkeeper of the Season award in 2008-09 and the CAF Champions League and Super Cup titles once with Mamelodi Sundowns.
“Thank you yellow nation”- Mweene
Since joining the Brazilians from Free States Stars on 27 June 2013, he won the South African League eight times to set the record for the most titles won by a Zambian in that league.
“To the yellow nation [Sundowns fans], we have won many titles, we have endured many hard times together and I say thank you.”
Mweene added, “To Sundowns management, the coaches, and everyone at the club, thank you for everything and for tolerating Kennedy Mweene.”
He made his debut for Zambia in 2004 and went on to become the most-capped international with 122 appearances.
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Mweene is also the second-highest-scoring African goalkeeper, with 13 goals, trailing Nigeria’s Vincent Enyeama, who scored 20.
Prior to his retirement, Mweene began his coaching career at Sundowns. He revealed that he will continue pursuing his coaching career in South Africa.
