Bongani Ndulula: Orlando Pirates Treble Winner Announces Retirement From Professional Football

Bongani Ndulula: Orlando Pirates Treble Winner Announces Retirement From Professional Football

  • Former Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana striker Bongani Ndulula officially announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 36
  • Ndulula, nicknamed 'Drogba', was part of the historic Pirates squad that became the first South African club to win the domestic treble in 2011
  • The former forward earned 10 caps for Bafana Bafana and represented South Africa at the Africa Cup of Nations between 2014 and 2015

Bongani Ndulula, the former Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana forward affectionately nicknamed "Drogba", has confirmed his retirement from football at the age of 36.

Ndulula made the announcement in an interview with KickOff, stating that he no longer has the desire or energy to continue playing competitively. "I am done with football. I am now focused on doing other things. I have been playing some social tournaments to keep myself busy. But now I no longer have the energy to continue playing football," he said.

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**Ndulula's Peak Years at Orlando Pirates**

The striker's most celebrated chapter came at Orlando Pirates, where he was a key member of the squad that clinched a historic domestic treble in 2011, making the Buccaneers the first South African club ever to achieve the feat. He became a firm favourite among the club's supporters, particularly after scoring a late winner against Santos during a league encounter that season.

Ndulula departed the Buccaneers in 2013, going on to represent AmaZulu, Kaizer Chiefs, and Chippa United before eventually stepping away from professional football altogether.

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**Bafana Bafana Memories He Will Always Treasure**

Beyond club football, Ndulula earned 10 international caps for Bafana Bafana between 2014 and 2015, including an appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations. He described representing his country as one of the defining moments of his career.

"I enjoyed my time playing football. Besides playing for the two big clubs in South Africa, one of my greatest achievements was representing my country during the AFCON tournament. Wearing the Bafana Bafana jersey is something that I will cherish for the rest of my life," Ndulula said.

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Since leaving professional football, the 36-year-old has kept active through social tournaments while shifting his focus to pursuits outside the game.

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Raphael Abiola avatar

Raphael Abiola (Sports editor) Raphael Abiola is a Sports Journalist with over nine years of experience. He obtained a B.Tech degree in Computer Science from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, in 2015. Raphael previously worked as a football editor at Stakegains (2016-2018) and a content editor with Opera News Nigeria (2018-2023). Raphael then worked as an Editor for the Local Desk at Sports Brief (2023-2024). Reach him via email at raphael.abiola@briefly.co.za.