The Buccaneers’ talisman will need to be at his best if Orlando Pirates are to add silverware to their anniversary celebrations, writes WADE PRETORIUS in SoccerClub magazine.
Leader. Creator. Reliable. These are just some of the words associated with the name Oupa Manyisa. But as Orlando Pirates move into 2017, a year in which every negative result will be deemed to have brought shame on their 80th birthday celebrations, more than ever they will need Manyisa to do his best to help erase the memories of a painful 2016.
A year spent on the sidelines of continental competitions, the 6-1 humiliation at the hands of SuperSport United and the shock resignation of Muhsin Ertugral that followed, have the Buccaneers entering one of the most important years in their illustrious history on the back
foot. It has become a year in which the club’s host of star players simply have no option but to stand up and be counted. The pressure, it appears, is more intense on one player in particular: their influential captain.
Manyisa is now seeing the light after coming through a dark tunnel that involved a much-publicised ankle injury, a failed transfer to Mamelodi Sundowns and recently losing his place in the national team.
After spending almost a year out of action, Manyisa has missed just two of Pirates’ first nine PSL encounters as he begins rebuilding his partnership with the in-form Mpho Makola, the player who tried manfully to hold the fort in Manyisa’s absence.
The 28-year-old creative midfielder has admitted it was difficult seeing his side struggle while he was injured and he is using that pain as added motivation to ensure Pirates move up the table and, by doing so, repay his teammates for their loyalty.
‘Their support is what kept me motivated throughout my injury and recovery,’ Manyisa told KickOff. ‘I have to give back to the team and be ready to play again. I’m glad to be back now.’
With injury fears now a distant memory, Manyisa can return to his place as one of South Africa’s best midfielders, with the potential to reach new heights, according to former Pirates assistant coach Teboho Moloi.
‘There’s more to come from Oupa,’ says Moloi. That thought must have fans of the famous Soweto club rubbing their hands gleefully with the prospect of Manyisa taking his game to another level.
His passing game, ability to play the killer ball and contribution with goals from behind the strikers, as well as the honour of having won every title that the domestic scene has to offer, has led him to more than 30 caps for Bafana Bafana.
The main prize for Manyisa and Pirates remains the same as it was before Ertugral’s exit in November: to mount a serious challenge for the title, despite the threat posed by the African champions, Mamelodi Sundowns.
‘I think we can challenge anyone. It’s not only about trying to beat Sundowns, but every team in the PSL,’ says a defiant Manyisa. ‘It’s important that we re-establish ourselves as title contenders, and the only way we can do that is by beating every team. We need to be more together this season and really fight for one another.’
The Ghost will be delighted to hear the fighting talk coming from their most influential figure and with a fit-again Manyisa roaring to get back to his best, the club faithful know they hold an ace up their sleeve when the PSL resumes in February.
REMEMBER WHEN?
Orlando Pirates were forced to release a statement in May 2016 after mysterious rumours emerged that their captain, Oupa Manyisa,
had passed away in a car accident when in fact he was at home watching the end-of-season PSL awards show on TV.
‘The rumours that Oupa Manyisa passed away in a car accident this afternoon are malicious and completely false! Our skipper is alive and well,’ read the statement. ‘We’ve been in contact with Oupa and he is just as amazed, he is with family and friends watching the PSL Awards. Those responsible for spreading this rumour are out of order.’
– This article first appeared in Issue 76 of SoccerClub magazine
