Friday, June 30, 2023 marked an emotional day for former PSL's Footballer of the Season Lebogang Manyama after he announced his premature retirement from professional football.
The attacker struggled to heal from the injury which prevented him from joining any club since parting ways with Kaizer Chiefs at the end 2021/22 season.
After failing to re-join Cape Town City – a side he captained with distinction leading up to winning the aforementioned top individual award, as well as the Player's Player of the Season and the Top Goal scorer awards at the end of the 2016/17 season – the 32-year-old decided to hang his boots.
With only memories remaining to remember the successful career the Tembisa-born player has had, his former coach Muhsin Ertugral reminisces about the times he worked with this talented footballer.
The Good
"We first worked together at Ajax Cape Town (now Cape Town Spurs) and back then I recognised him as a real 10. For me, he had a very special gift to recognise the situation earlier. He had the vision to connect players behind the lines and the timing for his runs into the box. His timing, you don't see that a lot anymore and for me he understood the importance of half space very well. He was a brilliant collective player, his professionalism was great and I loved his dry humour. Before he played for Cape Town City, he was at (Mpumalanga Black) Aces. He was unhappy at SuperSport United, and we took him to Aces. He had a fantastic season pairing with Aubrey Ngoma and in front of them Collins Mbesuma was very effective. We were leading the log until he broke his toe and Aubrey Ngoma had a muscle strain and we lost the momentum. After the team was sold and became Cape Town City, he continued with a fantastic season. I always knew that he would have a great career. South Africa doesn't have players of his quality anymore who have been produced in recent years. I know that he is a family man and will find his strength from within. I can imagine him as a good coach because of his analytical skills to see the game. He will make the right decision after all," said Ertugral.
The Bad
"Obviously Konyaspor, which I had an offer from as well at that time signed him, and he came to Turkey. Most people don't know that in that season they (Konyaspor) had three coaches and every one of them had their own ideas. Otherwise, he could have had a great season," the coach said.
The Ugly
"I see that (career-threatening injuries) a lot in recent years – early career break. Firstly, for all these young talents it is important that they have people around them who they will have to hold onto (for advice) in their short careers. Secondly, it is important to always look beyond playing time and plan to build sustainable life after football," concluded the esteemed coach.
Should Manyama Consider Coaching In Next Chapter?
