Durban City FC HubDurban City FC's Ayanda Mtshali has quit football. Mtshali, 38, confirmed his retirement after 14 years in the professional ranks. He has dropped an EP, 'Isbonelo Sok'phila', through Unified Entertainment, an independent record label he co-founded with his late brother Sibonelo in 2018.
What's next for Ayanda Mtshali?
Mtshali will soon enroll for a goalkeeper coaching course to help the Durban City reserve team in the DStv Diski Challenge.
Why did Mtshali retire?
Mtshali said 'time ran out' and it was the right time to move on, making way for younger players in the team.
Mtshali's music career
The five-track EP 'Isbonelo Sok'phila' is available across all major digital streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music.
| Album | Release Date |
|---|---|
| Isbonelo Sok'phila | 2026 |
Mtshali suffered a shoulder injury in 2018 that almost forced him into retirement while on the books of the now-defunct Bloemfontein Celtic. He was out for about nine months, and that's when he co-founded Unified Entertainment with Sibonelo.
Mtshali also turned out for Chippa United and Black Leopards after making his PSL debut for Free State Stars, which has since been dissolved, in 2012. He captained the team, renamed Durban City, to promotion from the Motsepe Foundation Championship to the Premiership last season.
Mtshali called time on his playing career in May 2026 alongside fellow City goalkeeper Darren Keet, who also announced his retirement from the game at the end of the previous campaign. The two bowed out on a high, having helped City secure an eighth-place finish, win the Nedbank Cup, and qualify for next season's CAF Confederation Cup.
