‘Kapini has no plans retiring anytime soon’

Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter 

TAPUWA Kapini has no plans to retire anytime soon, with the veteran goalkeeper to continue playing. 

Responding to reports that he was calling time on his career at the end of this season, South Africa-based Highlands Park club captain said he had no such plans because he still feels like he can carry on for a few more years. The 35-year-old recently returned from a long layoff after undergoing shoulder surgery. Kapini has been on the bench ever since his return early this year with Marlon Heugh preferred ahead of him. 

“I never said I am going to retire, for what? I am not retiring anytime soon. My legs are still carrying me, my body is still willing. I have been on the bench for six games, I just came back from an operation, I am feeling fine. I am waiting for my opportunity, Marlon is starting ahead of me, I am there to support him. When my chance comes, I will grab it with both hands,’’ Kapini said.

The former Warriors goalkeeper draws his inspiration from Italian goalkeeper, Gianluigi Buffon who is still going strong at Juventus at the age of 42. Even Kapini’s teammate at Highlands Park, Nigerian Greg Etafia is still going at 37. Encouragement from the former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper, Rowan Fernandes who is in charge of goalkeepers at Highlands Park is also pushing Kapini to keep on playing. 

“I am inspired by Buffon, we have Greg Etafia, our coach Rowan Fernandes says you still have it, keep going. What people are doing is digging my grave before I even die. They can forget, those who write that Kapini is going to retire. Look at Mkhokheli Dube, he is working harder than those youngsters at Highlanders, his presence is going to help the youngsters.” 

Kapini’s contract with the Lions of the North expires next year. Before he went to Highlands Park in 2015, Kapini played for Black Aces and Highlanders locally, Platinum Stars as well as AmaZulu in Mzansi. He has been playing football at a high level for two decades since making his debut with Black Aces in 2000.