Durban City goalkeeper Darren Keet has confirmed he will retire from professional football at the end of the current Betway Premiership season, bringing down the curtain on a career that has spanned more than a decade across South Africa and Europe.
The 36-year-old made the announcement shortly after helping Durban City secure the Nedbank Cup title with a 2–1 victory over TS Galaxy in Saturday’s final. Keet described the triumph as a fitting way to close his playing days, marking both his first and last major cup success.
Veteran exits on a high note
Keet has been one of the standout performers in the league this season, recording 12 clean sheets in 26 appearances. Despite remaining in strong form and suggesting he could continue playing, he said the timing felt right to step away and pursue a new path.
“It is nice to go out on a high, to finish the season on a high and then call it quits,” he said. “It is great to end it off with a winners’ medal. The Nedbank Cup was my first trophy and will be my last.”
He added that family considerations and long-term plans influenced his decision, with his relatives based in Cape Town while he has been playing in Durban. Keet confirmed he intends to move into coaching, though he did not disclose where he might begin that next chapter.
Career shaped by resilience and success
Reflecting on his journey, Keet said the most defining moments were not only the trophies but also the challenges faced along the way. “The hard times are the ones you remember. The fighting week in, week out,” he said, referencing the effort behind Durban City’s recent cup success.
Keet began his football career in Cape Town, developing through Ajax Cape Town’s youth system and playing for several local clubs before breaking through professionally. His rise accelerated after joining BidVest Wits, where he made his top-flight debut in the 2008/09 season and went on to become a key figure across two spells with the club.
Long career across continents
His career included a successful stint in Belgium, with more than 140 appearances for Kortrijk and a shorter spell at OH Leuven. After returning to South Africa, he featured for Cape United and Cape Town City before joining Durban City at the start of the current campaign.
Across all clubs, Keet has made 435 senior appearances, including 33 for Durban City this season, with four matches still to play. His honours include the 2016/17 Premiership title with BidVest Wits, along with the Nedbank Cup, MTN8 and Carling Knockout.
At international level, Keet earned 13 caps for South Africa, with his last appearance for Bafana Bafana coming in 2020.
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