Former Chipolopolo captain Rainford Kalaba has announced his retirement from active football putting an end to a career spanning over 15 years.
The Master took to social media to announce his retirement and confirming that he will join the TP Mazembe technical bench.
Kalaba, 36, said it was a sad feeling to be announcing his retirement from the Sport he loves but was excited about the adventures that await him in his new journey.
“After 13 years at TP Mazembe today I hang my boots!It is my gratitude and honour to be part of the Mazembe family on my playing days ,I’ll never forget the good times I had on the pitch in the TP jersey and captained the team once in my soccer career.
I am sad to announce my retirement to all my fans around the world. It hasn’t been an easy journey for me. I’ll applaud the efforts and dedication I gave throughout my life,” Kalaba posted on Facebook.
“I am glad that I will continue working with the TP Mazembe Technical Team. Let’s see what this new Journey has to offer.
Thank you once more to you all my beloved fans, God bless.”
TP Mazembe also confirmed the development on their official website saying they were short of words to describe the brilliance of the man who was nicknamed the Prince of Kamalondo.
“The end of the “Maestro” adventure marks a historic turning point for TPM, which will now have to prepare to fill the void by appointing a new captain. Words to describe the immense talent of Rainford KALABA are rare given his contribution to the success of the club, performances that will remain etched in the memories of the Badiangwenas.
The TPM is preparing for a new cycle, the club and the supporters intend to pay a vibrant tribute to Rainford KALABA during the next official meeting at home. It will be a great opportunity to salute this emblematic player, whose performances will forever be associated with the epic from 2011 to 2023.”
Kalaba has spent the majority of his club career at TP Mazembe winning the CAF Champions League with the club in 2015 and the CAF Confederation Cup in 2016.
Kalaba was also a major part of the Chipolopolo squad that won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2012 under French man Herve Renard.