After an illustrious football career, former Jubilee FC defender Patrick Mayango is set to hang his match boots this weekend as a sign of official retirement from active football on Saturday, February 1, 2025. The encounter in a friendly soccer clash according to the player will bid him his departure in a happy ending of his career.
Patrick Mayango, commonly referred to as ‘Defender Iron Eye’ played for the club for over ten seasons after its formation in 2008. During his time with Jubilee FC, he helped the team finished as runners-up in the Liberian First Division in 2009 and qualified for the then Liberia Premier League.
Before joining Jubilee as a left-backer, he played for several clubs, including Young Soccer, Baby Lonestar, and Kusa Football Clubs, between 1993 and 1999.
Serving as one of the vice-captains of Jubilee, Defender Iron Eye was selected among many players from top clubs to represent Liberia at the 2014 Gothia Cup in Sweden. Unfortunately, the team could not make the trip due to visa restrictions imposed during the Ebola outbreak.
While playing active football, Patrick graduated from the University of Liberia with a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration in 2011. He later worked as the Finance and Accounts Manager for the Liberia Airport Authority at James Spriggs Payne Airport before traveling to Cyprus to pursue his master’s degree.
During his studies in Cyprus, he served as the president for Liberian footballers in the Eastern European country where his constant engagement with other Liberian footballers built a family that has grown to support the game of football both on and off the field.
Speaking to newsmen Wednesday January 29, 2025 in Monrovia former Liberian League defender narrated his retirement outlining ceremonious football match between Friends of Mayan and the Cyprus All Stars.
The much-anticipated retirement game will take place at the Invincible Sports Park, where fans will gather to celebrate the defender’s contributions to the team over the years.
According to him, while leaving the pitch officially, the planned match is expected to bring together some old friends that were all associated with him during his days in the defense.
“It has been a very good experience playing football in Liberia and hanging my boots is such a memorable one for me. We had a lot of friends home and abroad that have been so intentional of our contributions to the game of football and that is why we are playing this retirement match to leave the game with memory,” he said.
