There was a time when Nhlakanipho Ntuli was expected to follow the same path as some of Orlando Pirates’ greatest academy graduates. He was hailed as one of the country’s most promising talents during his teenage years, a player groomed for stardom at Mayfair.
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But more than a decade after his rise to prominence, the 29-year-old has chosen to hang up his boots, closing the chapter on his professional playing career.
Ntuli, affectionately known as 'Nana,' confirmed via his social media platforms that he has decided to walk away from football as a player and focus his energy on a future in coaching.
“Today is the last day as a professional footballer after years in Europe. So grateful for what I have done in football, but that was it for me as a player,” he wrote.
Beginning 1 July, Ntuli has officially started his new journey in coaching, where he promises to channel even more passion and discipline than he did as a young footballer chasing the dream.
The midfielder made headlines as a schoolboy for his exploits in the Orlando Pirates development ranks. He was part of an exciting generation expected to lead the Buccaneers into the future, but unlike many of his peers, Ntuli took a different path.
After a short stint in the PSL with the now-defunct Free State Stars, the attacking midfielder pursued opportunities abroad. Over the past 11 years, he played in Sweden, the Netherlands, Norway, and Slovakia, opting to develop his game in Europe rather than stay in South Africa’s top flight.
While the Pirates first team dream didn’t materialise, Ntuli carved out a respectable career in his own right. And now, as he turns the page, he’s hoping to make an even greater impact from the touchline.
“From 1 July, my contract and new career as a coach begins. I can assure you the passion I had for football, when I had nothing until the last day, will be tripled as I set my goals in my coaching career,” he wrote.
“Those who didn’t have a chance to see my journey as a football player, now you have a chance to see and learn what it takes to win, discipline, patience, resilience, commitment and, at the end, enjoyment!”
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