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Former Wits, SuperSport forward retires from professional football

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Former Bidvest Wits and SuperSport United forward James Keene has officially announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 35.

The forward spent plying his trade in South Africa, playing for Bidvest Wits and SuperSport United.

During his time with the Clever Boys, Keene managed to rack up 17 goals and one assist in 48 appearances in all competitions, while also helping his side win their maiden Absa Premiership title as well as the Telkom Knockout Cup trophy during the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons.

Keene then joined SuperSport from Wits, where he went on to bag four goals and two assists from 28 appearances across all competitions before leaving for Swedish side Östers IF.

The England-born attacker also has experience of playing for the likes of Portsmouth, AFC Newbury, Kidderminster, Bournemouth, Boston Utd, GAIS, Elfsborg, Fredrikstad, Djurgarden, Bnei Yehuda, NorthEast Utd and Halmstads BK.

Keene released the following statement on his retirement:

‘My friends, after 18 years of professional full-time football, the time has come to make the hardest decision of my life.

‘The decision to hang up my boots up is one that has taken months of thought and heartache. But after a lot of conversations with my manager, my family and friends – I’ve finally come to the decision to retire from the game that I love.

‘This journey of mine has been epic and amazing. It’s had highs and lows, cup final wins and cup final defeats. The game has had a huge impact on my life, and I’ve loved every minute of it. Even in the darkest days, because it’s then when you learn so much about yourself.

‘There’s so much I want to say, but it has to start with a big thank you to all my family and friends who have helped and supported me so much over the years. To those who have taken the time to visit me wherever I have been in the world.

‘My wife? Well, what can I say? You have been there through the ups and downs. The wins and the losses. You are my rock.

‘Your support in me has kept me going through the tough times, and you have never stopped believing in me. You have been an incredible friend and wife throughout the whole journey! Thank you.

‘To all the coaches, managers, physios. All of the people involved at all the football clubs I’ve played for – I would like to thank you so much.

‘Especially all my teammates. A special thank you for all the memories. For all the laughs, and – most importantly – for putting up with me and my nonsense over the years!

‘To the referees, I apologise for the tackles and my colourful language that led to colourful cards. There’s been a few of them.

‘Lastly, thank you to all the clubs for making this journey possible, and for making my dreams of a young boy from Wells come true. You’ve taken me from England to India, to South Africa and, of course, my home Sweden and I can’t thank you enough. Great clubs, great countries, and great memories.

‘I’ve met so many incredible people along the way and made friends for life. Thanks again for all the support over the years, and now I look forward to the next chapter in my career. Hopefully, it’s as successful as the first.

‘I will truly miss it out on the field, but all things must come to an end.’