Cole Alexander: Former Kaizer Chiefs Star Announces Retirement From Professional Football
- Cole Alexander has decided to retire from professional football after a career that has lasted for close to two decades
- The former South African international featured for some of the top sides in the Premier Soccer League and also teams abroad
- The former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder took to his official Instagram page to post a video of himself confirming his decision
Cole Alexander has formally called time on his professional playing days, closing the book on a football career that stretched close to 20 years.
Source: Getty Images
Alexander has always expressed gratitude to every club that contributed to his development, while also admitting his admiration for featuring at iconic English Premier League sides like Liverpool and Manchester United.
Alexander’s football journey
Now 36-year-old, Alexander had been unattached since parting ways with Polokwane City in August 2025. He rejoined Rise and Shine at the beginning of the 2024/25 PSL campaign, marking his second spell at the club after returning from a stint abroad with Swedish side Helsingborgs IF under the guidance of Phuti Mohafe.
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His decision to retire signals the end of an era for one of South African football’s hardest-working midfield operators, widely respected for his discipline, consistency, and relentless engine in the middle of the park.
Throughout a well-travelled but rewarding career, Alexander featured for several top-flight clubs, including SuperSport United, Ajax Cape Town, Bidvest Wits, and others, leaving his mark wherever he played.
Source: Getty Images
Cole Alexander confirms retirement
In a heartfelt message shared on Tuesday, Alexander opened up about the emotional nature of his decision, admitting that while his final spell at Polokwane City fell short of expectations, he has made peace with how his career concluded.
He explained that after almost two decades in the professional game, he felt the time was right to step away, adding that although he would have preferred a different ending, he has come to accept that certain things are beyond his control. He stressed that his final season does not diminish the journey he was fortunate to experience.
Alexander went on to express deep appreciation to the fans, supporters, and loved ones who stood by him throughout his career, even as many may have anticipated his retirement.
He also extended his gratitude to the numerous individuals and organisations who shaped his path, including youth structures, clubs, coaches, educators, family members, his church, and community, acknowledging their role in his growth both on and off the pitch.
Looking ahead, Alexander humbly asked for continued support as he transitions into the next phase of his life, emphasising that he does not walk this path alone. He concluded by reflecting on how football gave him far more than he ever expected — from lifelong lessons and camaraderie to purpose and unforgettable memories — while expressing faith that his story is far from over.
He has now joined fellow former South African international Vuyo Mere on the list of ex-Bafana Bafana stars who recently retired from professional football.
Shortly ahead of the announcement, the ex-Ajax Cape Town midfielder linked up with Elite Soccer Coaching Academy (ESCA) in Sandton, where he has been collaborating with former Kaizer Chiefs colleagues Morgan Gould and Virgil Vries.
SA defender leaves Sundowns for PSL rivals
Briefly News also reported that a Bafana Bafana star has left Sundowns for a move to their PSL rivals after spending over five years with the defending champions.
The South African international won several titles during his time with the Brazilians, but he's now a player for the rivals.
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Source: Briefly News
