Former Orlando Pirates and Cape Town City defender Marc van Heerden has announced his retirement from football.

The 36-year-old calls time on his career, having spent the last two seasons at City, where he scored two goals and registered two assists in 52 appearances across all competitions.

Van Heerden has brought the curtain down on his professional playing career at the age of 36.

Over the course of his career, van Heerden has scored 19 goals and assisted a further 15 in 296 appearances in all competitions, playing for the likes of AmaTuks, AmaZulu, Chippa United, Orlando Pirates, Stellenbosch and City.

“I officially retire from the game that has given me everything,” Van Heerden announced on X.

“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.

“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, preseasons, Moments of glory, times of pain. The beautiful game made me who I am. Words won’t be enough but from the deapth of my being, thank you to everyone who’s been there.

“Thank you to the fans who cheered, all the club’s 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. Thank you to the beautiful game.”

I officially retire from the game that has given me everything.

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.

— Marc Van Heerden (@MarcVH08) August 11, 2024