Cape Town - AmaZulu striker Mabhuti Khenyeza has called time on his playing career at the age of 36 as he prepares to transition into a coaching role with Maritzburg United.

The experienced frontman has been linked with the role of assistant coach at Maritzburg in recent weeks, following the appointment of Muhsin Ertugral as Fadlu Davids' replacement.

While there is no news forthcoming on that particular front, Khenyeza is now free to make such a move after hanging up his boots for good.

Commenting on his decision to retire, Khenyeza told the club's official website: "I have enjoyed every moment of my football career, but it is time now for a new chapter in my life.

"I'm extremely grateful for my time at AmaZulu. I owe a lot of thanks to management, the technical team and my teammates for their understanding as this was not an easy decision.

"I'd also like to thank the supporters for always being behind me and the team."

Meanwhile, AmaZulu General Manager Lunga Sokhela has expressed his sadness at the news of Khenyeza's retirement, saying: "I am extremely sad to see him leave.

"He was such an integral part of the club, both on and off the field. He has always expressed his wish to coach and as a club we could not stand in his way.

"I hope we will work together again in the future."

Khenyeza joined AmaZulu from Golden Arrows in 2016, and also counts the likes of Kaizer Chiefs, Ajax Cape Town, Supersport United and Mamelodi Sundowns amongst his former clubs.

In total, Khenyeza scored 110 goals in the South Africa's top flight, making him the league's second all-time top goalscorer behind Siyabonga Nomvethe (123).