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Mhlongo shrugs off retirement

Cape Town - Polokwane City defender Benson Mhlongo revealed he is not considering retirement despite struggling to hold down a regular spot in the first-team.

Read: Alexander tight-lipped on future

The former Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana centre-back has been on the periphery at Rise and Shine in the second half of the season after manager Kosta Papic stated he preferred other members of the squad ahead of Mhlongo.

The 34-year-old's contract with the club expires at the end of next season and age is not on his side, but he insists retirement is the last thing on his mind.

"Why do I have to retire and why are you so negative and why can't you be positive?" he told KickOff.

"The latest from me is that I must go back to work on the 20th of next month and my contract is ending next season.

"With regards to how long I will go for, only people who I play with can tell you that and you can try someone else if I can still cope and they will tell you, I cannot lie to you."

In spite of Mhlongo's bullishness, Papic is clearly not a fan after saying the defender was unfit in last month's 2-0 loss to AmaZulu, admitting he felt Thapelo Tshilo was a better option in defence.

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