Former Kaizer Chiefs and Cape Town City midfielder Lebogang Manyama has explained his decision to hang up his boot at the age of 32.
Manyama released a statement on his official instagram account, confirming that he was forced into early retirement due to an injury.
The ex-Bafana Bafana midfielder also stated that he was “miraculously misdiagnosed with MCL and meniscus tears.”
As a result of the injury, Manyama struggled to find a new home following his departure at Chiefs in July 2022. At some point, he was linked with a return to Cape Town City.
He had joined Amakhosi in August 2018 from Turkish side Konyaspor. At Amakhsoi, he played 95 matches and scored on 15 occasions for the Soweto giants and turned provider 15 times.
In total, he made 302 appearances in his professional career. Manyama netted 55 goals and further provided 39 assists to his name.
LEBOGANG MANYAMA RETIRES FROM FOOTBALL
“After being miraculously misdiagnosed with MCL and meniscus tears. I had torn my ACL and made it worse whilst rehabilitating the wrong places today marks a very sad day for me as I have to call time on my football chapter as a player,” wrote Manyama on his Instagram official account.
“But it’s one I take with my head held up high because never did I think I would be so blessed to showcase my talent. And meet so many wonderful souls along the way.
“For that, I want to thank my family for the undying support from when was a lil boy kicking about in Alex. Thanks to all the junior teams I played for in Alex and Balfour Park Football Club.
“Secondly I would like to thank Maimane Alfred Phiri Games, Pitso Mosimane for the opportunity. And FC Alex without you there’s no Lebogang Manyama.”
MANYAMA SHOWS GRATITUDE TO HIS FORMER CLUBS
Manyama went on to express his gratitude to his former clubs for granting him the opportunity to showcase his God-given talent.
“I would like to thank Cape Town Spurs, Cape Town City, Mpumalanga Black Aces, SuperSport United and Kaizer Chiefs. And also to everyone associated with these wonderful institutions for the opportunity. And trust me, I enjoyed all of it the good and bad days, the ups n downs. At the end of the day life long memories and bonds were made,” He added.
“To everyone that cheered my name, criticised me, advised me, looked up to me and even those that are still gonna criticise me after this thank you.
“l am who I am because of all of you. To all my ex-teammates, coaches, opponents, and everyone associated with this wonderful game it’s been an honour to be able to compete in this era of so many special players.
“Lastly, thank you Lord for the talent and allowing me to showcase it over and over again. And as I go in for my fourth surgery on this knee I ask for your protection once again. There are many of you who I didn’t mention ASANTE Sana see you guys very soon.”
LEBOGANG MANYAMA’S ACHIEVEMENTS
a) Telkom Knockout – 2014/15 SuperSport United
b) Telkom Knockout – 2016/17 Cape Town City
c) ABSA Prem top goalscorer – 2016/17
d) ABSA Prem ‘Player Of The Season – 2016/17
RELATED STORY: Ex-Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Lebogang Manyama on the move
