Football players are not slaves

Mzwanele Mahashe opens up about retirement and the challenges footballers face along the way.

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Mzwanele Mahashe did not get to play for the big guns of South African football, but he will probably be remembered as one of the most solid defenders to have played in the PSL. He has officially retired from the game and is focusing on a business he started with his wife, but he still wants to be involved in football after his playing career. The former defender started his professional journey at Bush Bucks FC and went on to play for Bidvest Wits, Bloemfontein Celtic, Baroka FC and Mpumalanga Black Aces, among others, but the last few years at Royal AM, TS Galaxy and Sekhukhune United were not so great for him, until he decided to retire. In this interview with Soccer Laduma’s Tshepang Mailwane, Mahashe opens up about retirement and the challenges footballers face along the way.

‘Tshepang Mailwane: Hola Mzwanele, we have not spoken to you in a long time. You have not played professional football since leaving Sekhukhune United in 2023. What’s your status right now?

Mzwanele Mahashe: I am done with the playing chapter. I made the decision last year. Football has been part of my life and it’s still part of my life. It has changed so many things in my life. Being a professional footballer is something I will cherish for the rest of my life. I had not announced it, and I know you and I have been chatting about it. Officially, I am done as a professional footballer.

TM: You made the decision to retire last year, and you left Sekhukhune in 2023. Why didn’t you find a club in that period?