Nomvethe, 40, to call time on his illustrious career
SOUTH African football legend Siyabonga ‘Bhele’ Nomvethe will hang up his boots at the end of the season and is happy with how his career has panned out.
The 40-year-old forward first made his presence felt over 20 years ago and has represented big teams like Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Moroka Swallows.
The Kwamashu-born footballer played in two World Cups as well as the 2000 Olympics Games.
Addressing the media yesterday, Nomvethe said he is proud of what he has achieved over the years. “This is my last season playing football. I would love to thank my family, management of Amazulu and Pro Sports International.
This is definitely my last season. But I’ve so enjoyed my career. I never expected that I would get this far as a footballer,” explained Nomvethe who is the all-time Premier Soccer League (PSL), top goalscorer.
“I’ve so enjoyed my career and I want to thank everyone who contributed to making it a success. I did my job. I’ve played football with passion.
“You have to put everything in football. I’m very happy about what I achieved. This game is all about love,” he added.
Nomvethe played for top European clubs. He had a stint in Italy as well as Denmark where he left his mark.
“I’ve never had attitude, ever since I started playing football. I’ve always been humble. I’ve always worked hard. I looked at football as a business.
“If you want something, you need to work hard. This is what I’ve done throughout my career,”
Bhele earned 81 Bafana Bafana caps, scoring 16 goals for his country. And he became the first player to score a winning goal for Bafana in the World Cup back in 2002 against Slovenia.
In 2011/12, when he was at Moroka Swallows, he swept the boards at the PSL awards when he was Footballer of the Season and Top Goalscorer.
“As strikers we are under so much pressure but you must rise above that pressure by producing good performances on the field of play. I’m at home now. I never thought that at my age I’d still be playing.”
Nomvethe is expected to feature tomorrow at Amazulu when they welcome Mamelodi Sundowns in an Absa Premiership showdown at King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi. Kickoff is at 3pm.