Former Ajax Cape Town, Cape Town City and Kaizer Chiefs forward Lebogang Manyama has been forced into retirement at the age of 32 due to a knee injury.
Manyama has been out of action since March 2020 after parting ways with Kaizer Chiefs last year.
The former Bafana Bafana star struggled to find a new home following his departure from Amakhosi and was linked with a return to Cape Town City.
But following a persistent knee injury Manyama called time on his illustrious career after being miraculously misdiagnosed with MCL and meniscus tears.
“After being miraculously misdiagnosed with MCL and meniscus tears. 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,” wrote Manyama on his Instagram official account.
“But 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.
“For that, I want to thank my family for the undying support from when was a lil boy kicking about in Alex. Thanks to all the junior teams I played for in Alex and Balfour Park Football Club.
“Secondly I would like to thank Maimane Alfred Phiri Games, Pitso Mosimane for the opportunity. And FC Alex without you there’s no Lebogang Manyama.”
Manyama, who previously played for Ajax Cape Town, SuperSport United, Mpumalanga Black Ace, Cape Town City, Konyaspor and Kaizer Chiefs expressed his gratitude toward all his former clubs for granting him the opportunity to showcase his talent.
“I would like to thank Cape Town Spurs, Cape Town City, Mpumalanga Black Aces, SuperSport United and Kaizer Chiefs. And also to everyone associated with these wonderful institutions for the opportunity. And trust me, I enjoyed all of it the good and bad days, the ups n downs. At the end of the day life long memories and bonds were made,” He added.
“To everyone that cheered my name, criticised me, advised me, looked up to me and even those that are still gonna criticise me after this thank you.
“l am who I am because of all of you. To all my ex-teammates, coaches, opponents, and everyone associated with this wonderful game it’s been an honour to be able to compete in this era of so many special players.
“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. There are many of you who I didn’t mention ASANTE Sana see you guys very soon.”
Photo by Gavin Barker/BackpagePix
