Lebogang Manyama hangs his boots
By Neo Poho
Former Bafana Bafana, Ajax Cape Town, Cape Town City and Kaizer Chiefs forward Lebogang Manyama has called time on his career at the tender age of 32.
A persistent knee injury has cruelly cut short his illustrious career, having been sidelined since March 2022, Manyama parted ways with Chiefs last year and despite nearing a return to his former club Cape Town City, he remained without a team.
Manyama released a statement on his official Instagram account, confirming that he was forced into early retirement due to an injury.
"After being miraculously misdiagnosed with MCL and meniscus tears when in fact 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.
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 and for that I want to thank my family for the undying support from when I was a little boy kicking about in Alex.
"I would like to thank Cape Town Spurs, Cape Town City, Mpumalanga Black Aces, SuperSport United, Kaizer Chiefs and everyone associated with these wonderful institutions for the opportunity they gave me.
"Life-long memories and bonds were made and to everyone that has cheered my name, criticised me, advised me, looked up to me and even those that are still gonna criticise me after this.
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 because there are many of you I didn't mention, see you soon," Manyama said.
Throughout his professional football career spanning 12 seasons, Manyama accumulated an impressive record of 320 appearances, during which he netted 55 goals and provided 39 assists.
The 2016/17 Absa Premiership Player of the season won the 2016/17 Telkom Knockout with Cape Town City as well as the 2014/15 Telkom Knockout with SuperSport United while also claiming the 2016/17 Absa Premiership top goalscorer accolade.
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