Veteran goalkeeper Darren Keet has announced he will retire from professional football at the end of the current Betway Premiership season, bringing down the curtain on a career spanning more than 400 senior appearances.
The 36-year-old confirmed his decision shortly after helping Durban City lift the Nedbank Cup on Saturday, following a 2-1 win over TS Galaxy in the final.
“It is nice to go out on a high, to finish the season on a high and then call it quits on the career,” Keet said, according to Flashscore.
“The Nedbank Cup was my first trophy and will be my last.”
Family considerations
Despite still being in strong form this season – with 12 clean sheets in 26 league matches – Keet said the decision was influenced by family considerations and a desire to begin a new chapter in coaching.
“It has been difficult with the family being in Cape Town and me in Durban. I want to get started on my coaching career,” he said.
“There definitely could be more seasons as a player, but maybe it is time for new adventures.”
Darren Keet reflected on a career that began in youth football in Cape Town before progressing through clubs including Bidvest Wits, where he made a major breakthrough in the top flight, as well as spells in Belgium with Kortrijk and OH Leuven.
13 caps for Bafana Bafana
Across his career, he amassed 435 senior appearances and earned 13 caps for Bafana Bafana, with his final international appearance coming in 2020.
He enjoyed major success with Bidvest Wits, winning the Betway Premiership as well as domestic cup honours including the Nedbank Cup, MTN8 and Carling Knockout.
Darren Keet said the “hard weeks and battles” of professional football would stay with him most, more than the trophies themselves.
Durban City still have four matches remaining this season, offering the experienced goalkeeper a final run before closing the gloves for good – and opening the door to coaching.
