Bafana’s Manyama the one to watch
LEBOGANG: CAPE TOWN CITY PLAYMAKER REWARDED FOR BRILLIANT FORM
Of all the names in the national squad, the midfielder has got the most nods from PSL followers.
Mokotjo eligibility issues still unresolved ahead of friendlies.
Of all the names in the Bafana Bafana squad for this week’s friendlies against Guinea-Bissau and Angola, perhaps Lebogang Manyama’s surely met with the most nods of approval from followers of the Premier Soccer League.
Manyama has been tearing up defences for Cape Town City this season, the playmaker netting 12 goals and notching up five assists in all competitions as City have won the Telkom Knockout and mounted a surprising assault on the Absa Premiership title.
The 26-year-old’s form means he could well make his first Bafana appearance in just under two years at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday against Guinea-Bissau. He represented South Africa in two Cosafa Cups in 2013 and 2015.
“For me it is very exciting, and always an honour to be here,” said Manyama this week in Durban.
“I am looking forward to the challenge and hopefully to getting a few goals for the national team.
Manyama was in excellent form for Mpumalanga Black Aces last season before breaking three toes and is happy now to have had an extended period back on the field.
“For a change I have stayed the longest time without injury, and I have worked hard to improve every aspect of my game and have got the support from my team. This is reward for all that hard work,” added Manyama.
France-based Keagan Dolly was the last man to arrive in the Bafana camp yesterday. Even Kamohelo Mokotjo is present, although the South African Football Association continue to investigate whether he can play for Bafana, having taken up Dutch citizenship in December. Mokotjo’s willingness to come to South Africa regardless is certainly heartening.
“You all know that we have this issue whereby the player has obtained Dutch citizenship – but we have invited him to camp and his matter of citizenship and playing for Bafana Bafana is being handled by the association and the South African government,” said team manager Barney Kujane.
Itumeleng Khune will continue as Bafana captain against Guinea-Bissau, with Thulani Hlatshwayo, Dean Furman and Hlompho Kekana all named as vice-captains.