Orlando Pirates' star retires from football

Orlando Pirates defender Siyabonga Sangweni has been forced to retire from football at age of 34 due to injuries.

All set for the Chairman's Address at Rand Stadium... pic.twitter.com/ijnCKUndRC

— Orlando Pirates FC (@Orlando_Pirates) April 7, 2016

In a press conference on Thursday, Pirates’ chairman Irvin Khoza announced that Sangweni has been plagued by a string of injuries. Khoza said that after consultation, the medics have confirmed that former Bafana Bafana centre back has to end his career early.

Khoza said Sangweni, who has 29 Bafana caps with four goals, will be remembered as a club legend.

Dr Khoza: "Siyabonga Sangweni has been a stalwart for this Club and has been a great leader. He has shown great commitment"

— Orlando Pirates FC (@Orlando_Pirates) April 7, 2016

Dr Khoza: "His nickname 'Nsimbi' is reminiscent of other greats of this team, like Yster...all hard men, men of steel in character"

— Orlando Pirates FC (@Orlando_Pirates) April 7, 2016

Dr Khoza: "His commitment is the same as that of Jomo Sono. Both interrupted their weddings to heed the call of the Club"

— Orlando Pirates FC (@Orlando_Pirates) April 7, 2016

Dr Khoza: "Sangweni's leadership is not of many words. When he speaks, he speaks soundly & earnestly. He speaks with his actions"

— Orlando Pirates FC (@Orlando_Pirates) April 7, 2016

Dr Khoza: "We spoke to the team this morning, so it has been an emotional time to say goodbye to a great player like him"

— Orlando Pirates FC (@Orlando_Pirates) April 7, 2016

Dr Khoza: "Siya formed part of a formidable defensive pair with Lucky Lekgwathi, that holds defensive records at this Club."

— Orlando Pirates FC (@Orlando_Pirates) April 7, 2016

Sangweni said he will forever be grateful to Khoza and Pirates for affording him the opportunity to don the famed black and white jersey.

Sangweni: "I will remain a Buccaneer, Once & Always"

— Orlando Pirates FC (@Orlando_Pirates) April 7, 2016

Sangweni: "I'd like to thank the Lord for giving me the ability to play & also for granting me all I've asked in my career"

— Orlando Pirates FC (@Orlando_Pirates) April 7, 2016

Sangweni: "I want to thank my team, those that found me here & those I met. Thank you for respecting & working with me"

— Orlando Pirates FC (@Orlando_Pirates) April 7, 2016

Sangweni: "To the youngsters, always remember that when you come here you have come to work. Not to mess around. Listen, learn, apply"

— Orlando Pirates FC (@Orlando_Pirates) April 7, 2016

Sangweni: "To the youngsters, always remember that when you come here you have come to work. Not to mess around. Listen, learn, apply"

— Orlando Pirates FC (@Orlando_Pirates) April 7, 2016

Sangweni: "I'd like the players to look to Thabo Matlaba, & follow in how he commits to the game. He gives everything on the pitch"

— Orlando Pirates FC (@Orlando_Pirates) April 7, 2016

Matlaba: "On behalf of the players, we wish Siya well. He has been a good soldier, we love him, we'll miss him, we'll never forget him"

— Orlando Pirates FC (@Orlando_Pirates) April 7, 2016