In a social media post that has since been deleted, former Orlando Pirates midfielder Augustine Mahlonoko announced a shocking decision about taking a break from the game.

Mahlonoko is just 20 years old and has been on the books of second tier league club Pretoria Callies before announcing what was seen as a surprising decision.

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The Tshwane outfit has made wholesale changes to its squad and as reported by the Siya crew, the club recently parted ways with no less than a whopping 23 players and it is believed that Mahlonoko was affected by the changes.

In Facebook post that has since been removed, the player voiced his emotions. 

“I know lot of people are going to be disappointed with the decision I took. Yes, I’m taking a break from football. My mental health is very important guys,” Mahlonoko said in a deleted Facebook post on his official account.  

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“To every young player, remember football is the most important of the least important things in life. There are things in life that are more important. Your happiness, mental health and peace are far more important. Please always remember that,” the post read. 

Mahlonoko made history with the Soweto giants in August 2018 when he became the youngest player to feature for the club at 16 years old, although his career has since stagnated, which saw him being released by the club and has has no luck in trying to make further progress. 

In a dramatic turn of events, the player deleted the original post, and denied that he would be taking a break from football. 

This story has been updated. 

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