Rainford Kalaba, Zambia’s 2012 Africa Cup of Nations-winning midfielder and TP Mazembe legend has retired from playing football.
“After 13 years at TP Mazembe, today I hang my boots! It is my gratitude and honour to have been part of the Mazembe family on my playing days. I’ll never forget the good times I had on the pitch in the TP jersey and captain the team once in my soccer career,” Kalaba wrote on his Facebook post on Tuesday night.
Since joining the DR Congo giants in 2011, the 36-year-old made over 280 appearances and scored over 70 goals.
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Between 2005 and 2009, Kalaba also played for Nice in France and for Braga, Gil Vicente, and Leiria in Portugal before joining TP Mazembe, where he spent the majority of his career.
He won 17 trophies with Mazembe as well as the Super League with Zesco United in 2007.
Kalaba made his Chipolopolo derby in 2005 and was capped 103 times scoring 15 goals international goals.
“I am sad to announce my retirement to all my fans around the world,” stated Kalaba. “It’s not an easy step to take but I have come to realize that it’s better to step aside and focus on other things.”
Kalaba also sent a message to the fans, thanking him for their support in his 13-year football career.
“To those who have been with me since I started my career, I will miss them and thank you for the support in good and bad times.”
On his future after retirement, he said, “I will continue working with the TP Mazembe Technical Team. Let’s see what this new Journey has to offer.”
