Former Mamelodi Sundowns promising young star Sipho Maluleke has made an unexpected decision regarding his football career.
The Story
Maluleke, once considered one of Sundowns' most promising young talents, has made a surprising decision to retire from professional football at just 23 years old.
READ | Chiefs drop 2025/26 kits
The Sebokeng-born winger cited persistent injury struggles and mental health challenges as the primary reasons for stepping away from the game.
Maluleke last featured for ABC Motsepe League outfit D'General FC, having previously played for Baroka FC in the National First Division.
Between 2022 and 2024, he lit up the pitch for Downs' reserve team, showcasing immense potential and raising hopes of a bright future.
However, despite early promise, things didn't go as expected, and Maluleke has now officially called time on his playing career.
"I think I did play my part in this game and with all the lessons around it, I'd say I appreciate everything that has happened," Maluleke told KickOff.com.
"I know I still have a lot to offer for the game, but I decided to just focus on other things due to some personal reasons. I’ve been sitting at home trying to play football in the lower leagues, but it didn’t work out.
"This is because I’ve been living with the injury all my life now, and it’s troubling me when I play. I just can’t finish the game without feeling no pain.
"Injuries did not necessarily make me quit football, it had an impact on the decision I took. I just lost the love of the game due to a mental and emotional breakdown. I just don’t feel like playing anymore.
READ | Man City New Away Kit: Sky Blues Turn to Darkness!
"Staying home is not good for us players, and I would advise players not to stay at home because we end up doing things that we ain’t supposed to do. I feel that was my biggest downfall, but it’s life, we move on and heal from it," he added.
"It was 18 years in the game with lots of memories to cherish, thank you, football. Now I will just focus on my organisation, the "Sipho Malume Sanitary Drive", this is my daily motivation and I feel blessed and happy when I’m around it."
