Manyama can make it in Turkey - Ertugral

BAFANA BAFANA forward Lebogang Manyama will not join the list of players who left the Premier Soccer League (PSL) as the best striker in the league and went on to flop in their first foray into Europe.

Remember Collins Mbesuma? The record holder for the highest number of goals in a season in the PSL era. The Zambian netted 34 times in 2004/05 while at Kaizer Chiefs. At Portsmouth in the English Premier League (EPL) Mbesuma made four appearances in his debut season before he was loaned to CS Maritimo of Portugal. Mbesuma parted ways with Portsmouth in 2007 and joined Turkish outfit Bursaspor. And there have been other marksmen who have battled in the northern hemisphere – Knowledge Musona, Mame Niang and Chris Katongo, to name three others.

Muhsin Ertugral who handed Manyama his PSL debut at Ajax Cape Town believes he will shine in Turkey with Konyaspor. Manyama made his name at Cape Town City by scoring 14 goals last season, claiming the Golden Boot Awards and the PSL Player of The Season accolades.

Ertugral said: “What will make him succeed is the fact that he sees the game differently. He is always on the right zone or channels. Lebo has an eye for goal and he is very brave. He is mentally tough. He is a complete team player,” Ertugral added.

“Lebo needs to be selfish. I know that is not in him but you need that as the forward. I have no doubt that he can reach the level of Shoes Moshoeu in Turkey. He is a hard worker and he will make an impact once he settles down well. It is a matter of time,” Ertugral elaborated.