Polokwane City FC goalkeeper Manuel Sapunga has revealed how the lucrative Betway Premiership elevated his standing in his native Equatorial Guinea.
In July 2022, 32-year-old goalkeeper Sapunga made the move from Equatorial Guinea’s Futuro Kings FC to the South African elite league.
He has since solidified his position as one of Rise and Shine’s most reliable goalkeepers, with his standout performances leading to significant interest from other clubs.
Furthermore, he is one of the foreign keepers who are enjoying game time at both national team and club level in the PSL. In the just-ended season, Sapunga made 18 appearances for the Phuti Mohafe-coached side across all competitions.
In addition, he has managed to reinforce his place in the Equatorial Guinea National Team, which he attributes to his stay in the Betway Premiership.
WHAT MANUEL SAPUNGA SAID ABOUT HIS PRESENCE IN THE BETWAY PREMIERSHIP
Sapunga told FARPost, ahead of Equatorial Guinea’s two friendlies against Gambia [Friday, 6 June] and Cameroon [Monday, 9 June], that he gained more respect in his native country because of the PSL.
Equatorial Guinea fell 2-1 to Gambia in a match where Sapunga was not in goal. They will seek to improve their fortunes when they play Cameroon on Monday in Marrakech.
“I was already playing in the national team before leaving my country to come to South Africa and join PSL. But now, since I’m in South Africa, I have more value in my national team, and I am respected,” Sapunga told FARPost.
“For me, I think there’s more consideration, more respect, and South Africa is a very top league, a league that they watch in Africa.
“It’s a league that people respect a lot. There are quality players playing in that league. So, the respect came and has been very important to me.
“I know, since I’m in South Africa, I have gained more value and respect in my national team and everywhere,” he added.
Sapunga will decide his future after the FIFA international break, as his Polokwane City FC contract expires at the end of June. At this point, it is not clear if he will extend his stay at the club.
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