PSL legend Vuyo Mere retires after 23-year illustrious career

Vuyo Mere. Photo credit: Swallows FC

Premier Soccer League (PSL) veteran and former Bafana Bafana international Vuyo Mere has hung up his boots after a remarkable 23-year professional career.

The 41-year-old spent his final season as a player-coach with TS Galaxy, capping off a journey that saw him become one of South African football's most enduring figures.

Mere first burst onto the scene in 2001 with Hellenic, before an impactful seven-year stint at Mamelodi Sundowns between 2004 and 2011.

While many might have expected him to slow down after his Sundowns departure, Mere continued to defy expectations. He spent seven seasons with Platinum Stars. To add, from 2018, he had notable spells with Bidvest Wits, where he famously won the league title, followed by stints at Moroka Swallows and finally, the Rockets.

In a heartfelt message to fans and the football fraternity, Mere expressed his gratitude: "To all the people, fans, supporters and the whole football fraternity at large. I, Vuyo Calvin Mere, wish to extend my deepest and humblest gratitude to all of you for the support and love y’all showed me right through my career," he wrote.

"It’s been an amazing 23 years of professional football which was filled with lots of great and bad memories. I just wanna thank my God for the great opportunity, good health, protection and a willing heart to respect my career and everyone around it."

Mere reflected on his humble beginnings and the significant contributions to his success: "I wanna thank everyone who contributed to my amazing career, which started in the dusty streets of Bloemfontein, playing for City Leopards, UK Babies, Liverpool FC, Mangaung United, and finally making my way to the Hellenic academy," he continued. "I have won many trophies right through my career and played with the most talented players across the continent, and it’s all because God and my ancestors made it possible, and I am truly grateful."

He also extended his appreciation to the clubs that shaped his career: "To all the teams that gave me an opportunity to showcase my talent, Hellenic, Sundowns, Moroka Swallows, Platinum Stars, Bidvest Wits and TS Galaxy – I just wanna thank you all for the memories created, they will forever be tattooed in my heart."

Mere's retirement was anticipated last season, but he remained registered as a player while serving on Sead Ramovic’s technical team. He continued in this role even after Adnan Beganovic took over earlier last season, following Ramovic's brief resignation and move to Young Africans.

Looking ahead to his next chapter in football, Mere added: "To all the Coaches I worked with, thank you all for the lessons. I became a better human being before a better footballer because of y’all, baie dankie. As I have started my next chapter in football and am looking forward to a great journey, I just wanted to appreciate all the Smereza, Traffic, Skhokho, Razooo and Reiziger fans. I love y’all and really appreciate everything about y’all. I’ll definitely miss everything about playing the beautiful game and what it has done for me and my family."

He concluded with a definitive statement to his loyal supporters: "Ladies and gentlemen, I have officially retired from professional football. It’s curtains, my loving, loyal fans. Thank you once again and see y’all on the other side."

What are your thoughts on Vuyo Mere's incredible longevity in professional football?