Former Bafana Bafana forward Dino Ndlovu, who once led the line for Mamelodi Sundowns and enjoyed a globe-trotting career, has admitted he may be ready to hang up his boots after his recent spell at a Betway Premiership side came to an end.
The 35-year-old, who’s played in countries such as Israel, Cyprus, Azerbaijan, China, and Turkey, has had an impressive journey that began at Sundowns and Bloemfontein Celtic before moving abroad.
Most recently, Ndlovu joined Marumo Gallants on a short-term deal in March, having spent nearly a year without a club since parting ways with Sakaryaspor in Turkey. He featured in five games for Gallants under coach Abdeslam Ouaddou as the team battled relegation, but was not retained after the season.
Now, the veteran striker is seriously considering retirement.
“I’ve done what I was meant to do,” Ndlovu told KickOff.com. “I believe I’ve showcased my talent fully. I don’t think God will be disappointed—I used the gift He gave me to the best of my ability.
“I’ve always made decisions that suited my career and family. At the end of the day, the best performers know when it’s time to leave the stage. And I feel like my time is near.”
When asked whether Marumo Gallants might have been his last club, the Klerksdorp-born striker didn’t shy away from the possibility.
“Right now, that’s a real possibility,” he admitted.
Ndlovu’s career has taken him across the world. After breaking through at Celtic on loan from Sundowns in 2010/11, he went on to play for Bnei Yehuda and Maccabi Haifa in Israel, before spending time at Anorthosis in Cyprus.
His biggest spell came at Qarabag in Azerbaijan, followed by a high-profile move to China, where he represented clubs like ZJ Greentown, CC Yatal, and Changchun Yatai. He later joined Turkish sides Boluspor and Sakaryaspor before returning to South Africa earlier this year.
A true journeyman and respected professional, Dino Ndlovu’s next move may be away from the pitch—but his legacy in South African football will remain.
