Darren Keet shares private conversation that led to retirement decision

Keet played a pivotal role in helping the Citizens to their maiden Nedbank Cup title after beating TS Galaxy 2-1 in the final at New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane last night.  

Speaking to the media after the match, he said the decision to retire was taken jointly with his wife as they felt the timing was now perfect to go back and settle in Cape Town. 

"I'm not hinting at anything, I'm calling it quits at the end of this season so the Nedbank Cup was my first [trophy] and this Nedbank Cup is my last," he confirmed.

"I decided this in about October, after my wife told me she's sick of living in Cape Town and I'm here [in Durban] on my own, and she has to look after the kids while I get to have a free time, go to training, play golf and go home everyday.

"But, no, my wife did tell me she's not doing this year again and that's when I decided, ok cool, I started putting my feelers out to get a coaching job, and all of those things are in place at the moment.

"We made a decision, I would say, around October-November-December, somewhere around that time, but I wanted to focus on this club achieving its goals first before I decided to say anything."

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Keet, who celebrated his last trophy with his wife, kids and parents – who were all at the stadium in Polokwane, described the occasion as a very special moment. 

"Obviously it's special, my parents have been there throughout my whole career – [although] my dad's never really been one to be involved, so it's nice for him to enjoy these moments," he added.

"And, ja, for them to enjoy my last trophy – I'm hoping they enjoyed it, my dad cried a bit. I haven't cried yet, but when I saw some of the players crying, you feel like crying also.

"But, no, it's happy tears and smiles at the moment, but it's also very special for me to have my family here, my parents, my wife and my kids, just an awesome experience overall."