Chippa hero on cloud nine

Rhulani Manzini (above) expressed his delight after his stoppage time winner gave Chippa United a 2-1 win over Baroka FC in the Absa Premiership on Tuesday night.

Manzini smashed in a freekick to give Dan Malesela’s side the perfect start to 2017.

“With God anything is possible. All glory to Him,” Manzini told the Chippa United official website.

“I knew that I have the technique to direct the ball into the net because the power (of God) is already there.

“I had to relax, take my time and apply the right technique, the rest was up to Him.”

Manzini had a fantastic start to the season for Chippa, netting twice in their opening league game against Free State Stars and adding another in the MTN8 quarterfinal win at Platinum Stars. He limped off injured, however, with a foot injury at half time in their MTN8 semifinal against Sundowns on September 11 and had not played again until Tuesday.

“It’s been long five months out without touching the ball, and I am happy to be back and make (a) contribution to the team,” added Manzini. “I thank the technical team for showing confidence in me, and my teammates for the support. The medical team was fantastic, and so is everyone at the club including our supporters.”

For Baroka, this was another dent to their hopes of survival in their first season in the top flight – the Limpopo side are bottom of the league with just two wins from 16 games.

Bakgaga went in front in Port Elizabeth, through new signing Maboke Matlakala, but Thamsanqa Sangweni levelled for Chippa just before half time and then Manzini struck at the death.