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Port Elizabeth - Outgoing Mamelodi Sundowns veteran skipper Alje Schut believes that their Nedbank Cup crown was a perfect send-off for him over the weekend, as he has decided to hang up his boots and return to the Netherlands in the off-season.
The Dutch international defender played his last game for the Brazilians when they defeated Ajax Cape Town 4-3 on penalties after a goalless stalemate in the Nedbank Cup final at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday.
The 34-year-old man-marker said he and his entire family have enjoyed their stay in South Africa and their only disappointment in the country were the recent xenophobic attacks on foreigners.
Schut further hinted that his departure from the Chloorkop camp is not permanent as he will still return in the future.
“Winning the Nedbank Cup for me was a perfect send-off,” Schut said.
“Every player wishes to have this kind of farewell. As you might have seen I was so emotional.
“I was so emotional because I couldn’t handle my emotions knowing that this is my last game in South Africa.
“This country has been so amazing to me and the rest of my family.
“South African people are so amazing, they are so welcoming and these xenophobic attacks in the country are not good at all.
“This is not the South Africa we love and know, but I hope things will go back to normal.
“South Africa means a lot to me and Mamelodi Sundowns means a lot to me.
“I might be leaving now but this is not the end, I will come back one day.”
Schut joined Sundowns back in July 2012 from the Dutch-based outfit FC Utrecht.
Schut made a total of 65 appearances for the Brazilians and also guided them to their 2013/14 Absa Premiership crown and the recent Ke Yona title.
