Mamelodi Sundowns will have to prepare for life without their captain, Alje Schut, who has confirmed that he will not sign a new contract at Chloorkop.
See: Schut Expected To Leave Sundowns
The 33-year-old defender played a vital role as Masandawana won their first league title in six years last season, with the Dutchman lifting the Absa Premiership title in May after scoring a late equaliser against Maritzburg United.
Now, after Sundowns’ 2014 came to a close this weekend, the veteran defender has explained his decision to leave and the reasons behind it.
Sundowns, who had been eager to offer the centre back a new contract, have only lost four league games that Schut has started in, with the former Utrecht man offering some much need stability.
Speaking to the Siya crew, Schut said, “Sundowns and I had a meeting a few months ago when they expressed their feelings about me, explaining that they were really happy with my contribution and wanted me to stay for a few more years. They even spoke about having a different role at the club in the future.
“Obviously I was pleased with the offer and that they wanted to keep me, and I told them how much I have enjoyed my stay here. I also said that, as the President always says, I will forever be a part of the Sundowns family. However I told them that I wanted to go home and pursue a different career in football.”
When asked what that route was, the defender said, “I will either play for a smaller club in Holland and combine that with getting my coaching badges, or study something like sports management.
“I am the kind of person/player that always wants to be an important part of the team. I want to leave Sundowns on a high and not hang to sit on the bench or in the stands collecting a fat cheque every month!
“I still feel very valuable at the club and I want to keep that memory rather then let it end on a low point. Also, my kids are getting to an age now where they are getting intense friendships and getting attached to things, so we want to go home before it will be very hard for them to leave.
“I see that they are starting to struggle with the Dutch language and I want them to get a proper education at home without having the disadvantage of not knowing the language as well.”
Schut ended by saying, “I know that Sundowns regret my decision, but they respect it. Who knows, maybe I’ll be back in the future in a different role?”
Read More: Alje Wins Big At Sundowns Awards
The veteran defender has made 59 appearances for Sundowns since moving from Utrecht, scoring his seventh in the win over Ajax Cape Town today, and will be hoping to add even more to his goal tally before leaving at the end of the season.
