Former Cape Town Spurs star Tasreeq Manuel has firmly denied reports claiming he has joined Betway Premiership side AmaZulu FC.
Earlier last month, the highly-rated 22-year-old winger had flown to Durban for an assessment with Usuthu under coach Arthur Zwane. The subsequent reports suggested that Manuel’s trial had gone well and that he had signed with the club.
However, FARPost reached out to Manuel, who set the record straight. The Ikamva product confirmed that no deal was signed, nor was there any verbal agreement. “The news of me signing for AmaZulu is false. I did not sign for AmaZulu,” Manuel told FARPost from his home in Valhalla Park, Cape Town. “I don’t know where that story came from.”
Valhalla Park has produced several footballers over the years. It is home to Stellenbosch FC winger Faiz Abrahams, who is currently on loan at Israeli side Hapoel Kfar Saba. Orlando Pirates attacker Oswin Appollis also comes from the wider Bishop Lavis area. Manuel’s rise adds him to a growing list of players from the region making a name for themselves in the game.
Over the past three seasons, Manuel has shown steady progress and consistency as a winger. In the 2024/25 season, while playing for FN Rangers in the ABC Motsepe League, he featured in 21 matches, scoring eight goals and providing 15 assists. His numbers reflected his ability to contribute both in front of goal and in creating chances for teammates.
The 2023/24 season proved to be Manuel’s most productive to date. Turning out for Cape Town Spurs FC in the DStv Diski Challenge and the ABC Motsepe League, he played 25 matches, scoring 21 goals and registering 10 assists. His performances during that campaign helped him stand out and attract interest from several clubs.
TASHREEQ MANUEL: I HAD TO RETURN HOME
Manuel first featured for Cape Town Spurs FC during the 2022/23 season in the third division. Although his game time was limited to seven appearances, he still managed to score three goals and provide one assist, offering early signs of his potential.
Recalling the experience with AmaZulu, Manuel continued: “I trained with the team for two days. The first day we trained without the ball, and the second day was a full session, which went well. On Wednesday, we had a training match, but I only came on late and didn’t get much of the ball.”
He explained that the situation was further affected by logistics and timing. “After that match, it was the start of the AFCON break, and I had to return home. The club said they would call me on the 2nd or 3rd of January, but that didn’t happen.”
“I was really excited to get the opportunity,” Manuel added. “I have been waiting a long time for a chance like that. What I have been needing is just one proper opportunity to show what I can do. Right now, I’m training on my own and with Diadora FC in the ABC Motsepe League, staying ready for whatever comes next.
“This is my dream and God-given talent. I owe it to myself to make it a reality,” Manuel added.
Manuel’s experience highlights some of the difficulties young players face when trying to break into the Betway Premiership. Despite the setback, his performances over the past three seasons suggest he remains a player with the quality and work ethic to take the next step when the right opportunity arises.
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