ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (August 24, 2018) — Tampa Bay Rowdies defender Tamika Mkandawire has announced that he will retire from professional soccer following Saturday night’s match against FC Cincinnati.
Mkandawire, a former Rowdies club captain, has made 99 appearances in green and gold, including 11 this season.
“We’ve been lucky enough to have enjoyed Tam for almost five seasons,” said Rowdies Chairman and CEO Bill Edwards. “Tam has always been a true professional both on and off the field. We will all miss him wearing the green and gold hoops, but he’ll always be a part of Rowdies history. We wish him all the best in the new chapter of his life.”
His career has spanned nearly two decades since joining West Bromwich Albion in 1999 as a trainee. The 35-year old made more than 100 appearances for England’s Hereford United and Leyton Orient and could reach the 100-match plateau with a third club this weekend in his final match. He also played for Millwall, Southend United and Shrewsbury Town before moving across the Atlantic Ocean and joining the Rowdies in 2014.
From the moment he arrived in Tampa Bay, Mkandawire quickly established himself as a locker room leader. He was given the captain’s armband not long after his midseason arrival. His time in Tampa Bay has included more than 8,500 minutes spread across five seasons.
The following note is from Mkandawire:
Following a 19 year professional playing career in the UK and USA, I have decided to retire as a Professional Soccer Player.
I can’t express how difficult this decision has been, however, I feel that now is the right time for me and my family to move on to the next chapter.
Every club I have played for has left me with great experience and memories, which I will take forward with me. To wear the badge of a club is to represent the heart of their fans and it has been such a privilege.
