Just as I thought we were done on hearing about professional football players announcing their retirement, following the 2012/13 season, Jimmy Tau caught me and many others by surprise.
I have watched, in disbelief, as some of the best footballers to have graced our fields in recent times announce their retirement from the beautiful game.
I'm saying 'disbelief' because I thought they still had more to offer for the benefit of our country's football. Benni McCarthy, Stanton Fredericks and Arthur Bartman are some of the true professionals of our generation that decided to call it a day, after successful careers. But I must admit that I honestly never expected Jimmy to call it quits at the age of 33. Never! I know that he can be emotional at times. I sincerely hope that aspect of his character never came to play when the decision was made.
Like any other soccer fan or journalist in the country, I was still waiting to see where the player's next offer would come from after having already played for both Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs in his prestigious career.
It was never to be. I must admit though that I did get a sense that something was coming after I spoke to Tau's agent, Jazzman Mahlakgane, on Monday afternoon. But as professional as he is, Mahlakgane wouldn't officially disclose what the plan was before the press conference that had already been arranged.
The news finally broke on Tuesday. The reaction said it all, as football fans expressed their shock at Tau's decision. In all fairness, the only thing that all of us need to do now is to accept and respect Tau's decision. He wouldn't have arrived at such a huge decision without thinking of it properly. All we need to do is to thank Tau for the good memories he gave us during his playing days.
Football and politics are different in my opinion. I prefer to leave it at that. Tau used his God given talent effectively for the benefit of the clubs he played for and their supporters.
He made football fans happy. I never had the privilege to play for Pirates and Chiefs, and never will in this lifetime. But I have grown to understand the challenges that come with the responsibility of representing each of those huge brands.
Playing and captaining both clubs that are rightfully called Soweto giants, because of their status and success amongst other things, needs more than just a talented player. Jimmy did it! This Kimberly-born professional I've taken time to write about, represented both clubs with perfection under different coaches.
He led by example at all times. But good things do come to an end. Jimmy must be feeling sad about the day he injured his ankle against AmaZulu last year. Like any other professional, he had a job to do for his club. He couldn't let his teammates and supporters down. Unfortunately, that day turned out to be the beginning of the end for his career.
That's the truth! Tau struggled to get back into the team at Chiefs after the injury. Instead, he picked up another injury that pushed him even further back.
Although Tau and Chiefs parted ways at the end of last season, it never crossed my mind that he would retire. Former Pirates coach, Augusto Palacios, once told me that Jimmy is more like Lucky Lekgwathi to him. I had always thought that Jimmy would follow in the same path of the Pirates captain, and play the game until his late 30's. Nonetheless, thanks Jimmy, for the memories and professionalism you showed throughout your career.
You served the football fraternity well. I found it sad that on the day you were supposed to celebrate your 33rd birthday you decided to make such an emotional announcement. The good thing is that you are one of the players that have been exemplary because you took your studies seriously. I have no doubt in my mind that you will succeed in the new chapter you are opening in your life.
Goodbye 'Big V', you served the football nation with loyalty and pride. You had the spirit of a lion on and off the field. It's a pity we didn't get a chance to see you play more for our national team, Bafana Bafana.
By: Masebe Qina
Follow Masebe on Twitter: @Sebes17
