Former Zambia captain Rainford Kalaba has announced his retirement from active football putting an end to a career spanning over 15 years.
“After 13 years at TP Mazembe, today I hang my boots! It is my gratitude and honour to have been part of the Mazembe family on my playing days,” said the ex-Chipolopolo captain, adding: “I’ll never forget the good times I had on the pitch in the TP jersey and captain the team once in my soccer career.
“I am sad to announce my retirement to all my fans around the world. It’s not an easy step to take but I have come to realize that it’s better to step aside and focus on other things. To those, who have been with me since I started my career, I will miss them, and thank you for the support in good and bad times.”
On his future after retirement, he said, “I will continue working with the TP Mazembe technical team. Let’s see what this new journey has to offer.”
TP Mazembe 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.”
Since joining the DR Congo giants in 2011, the 36-year-old made over 280 appearances and scored over 70 goals. Between 2005 and 2009, Kalaba also played for Nice in France and for Braga, Gil Vicente, and Leiria in Portugal before joining TP Mazembe, where he spent the majority of his career.
He won 17 trophies with Mazembe as well as the Super League with Zesco United in 2007. Kalaba made his Chipolopolo derby in 2005 and was capped 103 times scoring 15 goals international goals.