Kennedy Mweene comments on retirement and coaching plans

The veteran Zambian goal minder is already working on his badges.

Mweene, 38, says his aim is to work closely with young goalkeepers. 

"It's something I've been wanting to do and something that I'm busy working on. Back home in Zambia and even here in South Africa we cry about not having quality goalkeepers but it's up to us players who are about to retire or who have retired to change that," he said.

Following a decorated career that includes winning the Africa Cup of Nations with his native country, Zambia in 2012, Mweene adds that he’s found his passion. 

"Not everyone will be a head coach or assistant coach, I just want to be a specialised goal keeper coach. That's what I want because I am passionate about goalkeeping, I just want to help a lot of youngsters," he added.

Mweene has not made any appearances for Downs this season, and he now accepts that his role is more of a senior figure at the club.

"One cannot play football forever, when the club brings in new players it's up to us as senior players to welcome them and make them feel at home. At the end of the day, it's about the club not an individual. If the club does well, for example if Ronwen (Williams) does well then it reflects on other goalkeepers in the club and the way they train. So, I've always been guiding young goalkeepers in the team," he explained.

The clearest indication of Mweene’s next step was evident when coach Rulani Mokwena appointed him goalkeeper coach during the league win over Orlando Pirates earlier this month with Wendell Robinson suspended.  

"He (Rulani) asked me to come in because I'm the oldest amongst the goalkeepers, so they asked me to come in because coach Rendel was suspended and I did what I had to do," he concluded.