Legendary Downs shot-stopper Kennedy Mweene retires

Mamelodi Sundowns and former Zambian international goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene has hung up his gloves.

The muscular shot-stopper (Kennedy Mweene) spent 10 incredible years at Chloorkop after he was signed from Free State Stars in 2012.


The 38-year-old won just about every trophy with Sundowns, collecting eight Premier Soccer League (PSL) titles, two Nedbank Cups, two Telkom Knockout silverwares, a coveted CAF Champions League crown, and the glorious CAF Super Cup.

Kennedy Mweene is also remembered for leading Chipolopolo, the Zambian national team, to victory at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations tournament.

Kennedy Mweene was not just a goalkeeper, he is a legend, a beacon of inspiration for aspiring footballers across the continent. His journey with Sundowns was one of triumph, perseverance, and unwavering passion.

Said Kennedy Mweene on the club website: “My 10 years at Sundowns as a football player has been emotional. I’ve shared the dressing room with a lot of good players and now it’s time to celebrate. I’ve achieved all these things because of the people around me.

“Football has taken me to places which I never dreamt that one day I’d be able to share the same pitch with some of the great players that Africa has ever offered.”

Teammates and fellow goalkeepers at Sundowns spoke fondly of Kennedy Mweene.

Said Riyaad Pieterse: “He’s a fun individual, an honest guy, a good teammate to have and he’s been a good motivator for myself and the young ones coming in.

“Kennedy Mweene has made tremendous saves and has kept us in many competitions, to learn from someone like that is such an honour and privilege. He’s world-class.”

Denis Onyango shared: “[We have] happy faces when we are training, but of course give a hundred 100% when we are given a task. He’s the only goalkeeper in the PSL who has won all the titles in Africa, he’s been an inspiration to me since I joined Sundowns.”

Another voice that bid farewell to the Zambian shot-stopper was Downs goalkeeper coach Wendell Robinson, who took a moment to reflect on the incredible journey of this remarkable goalkeeper.

“He’s professional and hard-working, but most of all he is one of the most humble and kind human beings you’ll ever find.”

 

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