Former Cape Town City and Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Lebogang Manyama has explained his decision to call time on his illustrious career at the age of 32.

The 32-year-old recently released a statement n his official Instagram page to announce his early retirement from football due to an injury.

In his statement, Manyama revealed that he was “miraculously misdiagnosed with MCL and meniscus tears.”

Following a persistent knee injury Manyama struggled to find a new home following his departure from Chiefs in July 2022 and was previously linked with making a return to Cape Town City.

Over the course of his career, Manyama has scored 55 goals and assisted a further 39 in 302 appearances across all competitions playing for the likes of Ajax Cape Town, SuperSport United, Mpumalanga Black Ace, Cape Town City, Konyaspor and Kaizer Chiefs.

“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.”

Photo by Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix