FC PLATINUM defender Gift Bello has called time on his illustrious career after a massive 12 seasons in topflight football, where he played for three clubs.
The 39-year-old has been at the pinnacle of the game for over a decade and has proved his class in the elite league.
He was on parade in FC Platinum’s final match of the 2023 season against Sheasham on Saturday.
Remarkably, Bello won seven Premier Soccer League (PSL) titles in his illustrious career, three of which were with Dynamos while the other four were with FC Platinum.
Only Devon Chafa, who won four with Dynamos, one with Caps United and two with FC Platinum has achieved the same feat.
Bello joined FC Platinum in February 2014 from Dynamos and he played over 300 matches for the former PSL champions.
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Apart from a record-equalling seven PSL titles, Bello also won two Chibuku Super Cup titles in 2014 and 2021.
The Harare-born defender, who also played for the now-defunct Kiglon FC, has already hinted on his next move after hanging his boots.
“It’s time move to the next level. I played my part and I believe it’s time for other to come forward and take the positions,” Bello said.
“I thank the club [FC Platinum] for the opportunity. It was worthwhile being here. We won titles and we all grew.
“So I will venture into coaching and hopefully, I will be able to remain in the FC Platinum structures.
“I’m not yet sure, but my hope is to remain at FC Platinum as I take a new route,” Bello told NewsDay Sport.
Meanwhile, Mapeza is satisfied with how his team ended the season.
FC Platinum ended the season on a high note after beating Sheasham 2-1.
They ended the season on fourth position.
“I’m happy with it. My task is to keep the team revolving. There was a lot of work because the team didn’t start off the season so well,” Mapeza said.
“We want to keep playing entertaining football. That is what we want. So now we move on and look ahead. Personally, I’m happy with the position we ended in.
“Hopefully, we will manage to keep this up since we managed to promote a number of players into the senior team.”