Manyama is being kept on ice for now
Sibongiseni Gumbi
Kaizer Chiefs supporters will have to wait a little while before they can see their new star signing Lebogang Manyama in action as coach Giovanni Solinas wants him to get fitter before he can consider him for the team.
Manyama and defender Mario Booysen were announced this week but will not be in the team when they meet SuperSport United at Lucas Moripe Stadium in an MTN8 semifinal, first leg on Sunday afternoon.
“They are not available because they need to work on their fitness,” said Solinas yesterday. “We need a big squad because we compete for a lot of domestic trophies and we will also be competing on the continent. We will have a tough fixture schedule when we start our continental travels in December,” added Solinas on his new acquisition. He said Manyama is the kind of player who will always score goals.
The Italian was, however, not as willing to speak on the potential transfer of club veteran Siphiwe Tshabalala to Turkish side Erzurumspor. Tshabalala is reported to be in talks with the Turkish club.
“I can’t speak about transfers. I can only speak of the players in my squad. Shabba is training as normal. He is a good player and made history with Chiefs,” was all he said.
Solinas’ side have struggled in their Absa Premiership campaign after beating Free State Stars 3-0 two weeks ago to advance to the semifinals of the MTN8 but the coach insists it is not because they have put too much focus on cup glory.
“No. When you play, work or coach Kaizer Chiefs you have to win all your games. We try to win every game. It is not possible to select games. We prepare to win every game in every competition. We don’t choose the competitions or games.
“We continue to prepare. It’s an important and difficult game because the opponents are strong. They (SuperSport) have won three games against strong teams in Orlando Pirates, Bidvest Wits and AmaZulu. It is a difficult game for us. SuperSport are strong physically and tactically good.
“Every game is important and we need to play well. Both legs are important and we need to get results from both. The job cannot be finished in one game. That is impossible. We will try to win both legs,” said Solinas.