Booth hangs up his boots

Cape Town - Former South African centre-back Matthew Booth has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 37.

Booth leaves the game having after a stellar career which included spells at Cape Town Spurs, Mamelodi Sundowns, Wimbledon, FC Rostov, Krylia Sovetov, Ajax Cape Town and Bidvest Wits.

The almost two-metre tall centre-back became the rock of any team he joined, always great in the air and a tough tackler.

"Boooooooth" represented South Africa 37 times and was a crowd favourite wherever he played.

Booth's career highlights include winning two PSL titles, being part of the 2010 Soccer World Cup squad and being named Ajax Cape Town's player of the season in 2013.

Booth's retirement will leave a hole in the centre of Wits' defence.