After more than a decade on the pitch, Linda Mntambo has officially called time on his playing career.
The 37-year-old midfielder and captain of Sekhukhune United announced his retirement on social media, bringing the curtain down on a journey that began with a dream and ended with gratitude, reflection and a few tears.
For Mntambo, the decision was not only about football. It was also about family.
“Growing up as a young boy, I’ve always wanted to turn professional and having lived that dream for the past 13 years since 2013 has been a journey worth celebrating,” he said.
The veteran midfielder admitted that while football gave him everything that he could have hoped for, it also demanded sacrifices that many supporters never see.
“The biggest sacrifice that I’ve had to make for my career is building a family and knowing that I will not be fully present to be with my kids, be there emotionally and see them grow fully,” he shared.
Those words struck a chord with many fans who often see the goals, tackles, and trophies but rarely the missed birthdays, long trips and time spent away from loved ones.
Mntambo’s career was not without challenges. He faced injuries, setbacks and moments when people questioned whether he could bounce back.
“I’ve faced injuries, I’ve faced turbulent times in my career. At times, people wrote me off, and I knew that I’ve only got myself to get back up,” he said.
Now, after years of competing at the highest level, he feels it is the right time to step away.
“They say a good dancer knows when to leave the stage. As tough as it is, I’m going to miss the game, but I will never be lost to it.”
The midfielder also reflected on what football has meant to his life.
“Thank you to football. People would not know me today if it weren’t for football.”
Mntambo announced that he is officially hanging up his boots during June, a month that carries special meaning as it is also his birthday month.
“I hope my kids will look back on the career that I’ve had and be proud of what they had to go through and what they helped build for the family,” he said.
Away from the field, Mntambo’s biggest support system has been his wife, Tsakani.
The couple recently celebrated 18 years together and she has been by his side throughout his football journey, from his early days to his final season at Sekhukhune United.
In an emotional moment following his announcement, Tsakani admitted she was struggling to process the reality that a major chapter of their lives was ending.
“I’m not really sure what makes me sad, but I just have mixed emotions about everything. Him playing soccer, us having to go out to the stadium, all that and thinking about how maybe it’s all going to come to an end.”
Together, the couple has raised four children and Mntambo made it clear that spending more time with them played a major role in his decision to retire.
He also took time to thank the people who helped shape the final years of his career, including Sekhukhune United chairman Simon Malatji, chief executive officer Jonas Malatji and the club’s leadership for believing in him.
