Former Orlando Pirates and Cape Town City defender Marc van Heerden has officially retired from professional football, ending a career that saw him become a household name in South African football.
The 36-year-old confirmed his retirement from the beautiful game in a series of posts on X, formerly Twitter, on Sunday indicating that he plans to venture into coaching.
"I officially retire from the game that has given me everything. I came into this game as a boy and leave as a man. 20 years on and I start my coaching journey,“ van Heerden said.
I officially retire from the game that has given me everything.
— Marc Van Heerden (@MarcVH08) August 11, 2024
I came into this game as boy and leave as a man. 20 years on and I start my coaching journey.
Thank you to... My Angel Mom, My Pops, My sister and brother and family who were there through it all.
The former Bafana Bafana international also reserved high praise for all those who supported him during his lengthy career.
"Thank you to... My Angel Mom, My Pops, My sister and brother and family who were there through it all. My kids for keeping me young. My wife and best friend.
"My mentor and agent @mikemakaab for all you did for me. The amazing players I had the privilege of competing with and against. To the coaches who gave their time to make this dream a reality.
“All the backroom staff that worked selflessly behind the scenes. Off-season, pre-season, Moments of glory, times of pain. The beautiful game made me who I am. Words won't be enough but from the depth of my being, thank you to everyone who's been there.
“Thank you to the fans who cheered, all the clubs I played for. Representing my country. I leave with giving my all. This is the end of this chapter and the beginning of a new one. Thank you to the beautiful game,” he said.
Van Heerden had a lengthy career that spanned decades in the PSL playing for teams such as AmaZulu, Chippa United, Pretoria University, Stellenbosch, Orlando Pirates and Cape Town City.
The Johannesburg-born Van Heerden also represented the South African national team five times during his illustrious career.
IOL Sport