Brilliant Khuzwayo during the Absa Premiership match between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)
Brilliant Khuzwayo forced into early retirement
The ankle injury that has kept Brilliant Khuzwayo from making his Orlando Pirates debut has now forced him into early retirement.
Brilliant Khuzwayo during the Absa Premiership match between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)
A problematic ankle has forced Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Brilliant Khuzwayo into early retirement, the club confirmed on Wednesday.
The 29-year-old was a curious omission from the club’s squad for the upcoming season, with former French youth international Joris Delle taking over his number one jersey.
This was after being withdrawn from the club’s Carling Black Label line-up, a little over 48 hours before he was set to make his first-team debut for Orlando Pirates – a club he had been a part of for over a year.
Orlando Pirates fans deprived of shot-stopper’s brilliance
Khuzwayo, who spent some of his youth career as an Orlando Pirates player, made his name in the colours of fierce rivals Kaizer Chiefs, where he played until leaving in 2018.
Soon after his return to the Buccaneers, he went under the knife to address his problematic ankle.
After a lengthy recovery period, he returned to action but only turned out for the club’s reserves.
The player, who was seen as a solution to Pirates’ long-standing problems between the posts, looked set to finally feature for the club in the upcoming season, but the injury put the breaks on his aspirations.
“In a sad turn of events for a goalkeeper that lived for the game, Brilliant Khuzwayo is forced into early retirement by an injury that was corroborated by independent medical reports,” Orlando Pirates said in a statement.
Orlando Pirates
Brilliant Khuzwayo bids his farewell
An apparent fan favourite, despite not making a senior appearance for Pirates, Khuzwayo was delighted to return to the club.
He told the club’s website that his decision to retire was informed by a consultation with a specialist, which made him realise he would not be able to perform at a high standard.
“For this reason I can no longer continue the way I wanted to,” Khuzwayo said.
“I would like to thank all the supporters who have been behind me from the day I joined this club. They were the main reason behind my motivation and drive to get better. They’ll always hold a special place in my heart. To management , especially the Chairman, thank you for all you have done for me.”
Brilliant Khuzwayo
Khuzwayo retires having made 37 senior top-flight appearances, all in Kaizer Chiefs colours. He also earned three international caps for South Africa.
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