Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Thuso Phala, who officially announced his retirement from the beautiful game last year, has reportedly not been physically well.
According to Sunday World, sources have revealed that the 37-year-old former right winger was hospitalised in November and December 2023.
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FORMER KAIZER CHIEFS PLAYER THUSO PHALA’S HEALTH ISSUES
Phala, who lifted five major trophies with SuperSport United during his football career, was reportedly admitted for treatment of an undisclosed illness at a Johannesburg hospital in November. He was allegedly readmitted in December.
“When I spoke to him, he had just been released from hospital in December.
“He did not say what was wrong, but he had some health complications and was admitted, and got treatment for that,” a friend of the soccer star told the publication.
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According to the friend, Phala started experiencing health complications in October. Following consultations and tests, his doctors advised him to retire from football.
“He was in and out of hospital and obviously doctors always fear the worst. So, they told him to let go of his first love, which is football, to save his life,” the friend added.
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RETIREMENT
In November, Phala officially announced his retirement from football during an interview with Robert Marawa.
“I am officially retiring from professional football… It has been unofficial but now I’m saying it official, and it kind of hits home because this is it. I am retiring from the game.
It is not something I say and get to think about it but now I am thinking about it.
“It is emotional actually because I have met great people through football and I have travelled across the continent because it has been my life for 15 years of my life.”
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Phala’s career took off in 2006 when he joined defunct North West football club Silver Stars, which later changed its name to Platinum Stars before ceasing operations.
After just one season with Dikwena, he made a move to Soweto giants, Kaizer Chiefs, where he spent two seasons – between 2007 and 2009. Phala also had stints at Chloorkop with Mamelodi Sundowns, before moving back to Platinum Stars.
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With a three-season deal at the club, Phala made an impact; netting 12 goals in over 80 appearances.
But, it is with SuperSport United that the Phala name would mostly be remembered, having joined the Pretoria-based club in 2013 until 2019. The more time he spent, the more game time he received – giving rise to his goal tally, and of course, his signature celebration dance move.
Phala would then move to Black Leopards and unfortunately had to cut his contract short due to the COVID-19 lockdown.
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