Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Lebogang Manyama believes winning the Absa Premiership title is more important than winning individual awards at the end of the season.

The Glamour Boys currently occupy first place in the Absa Premiership standings with 48 points from 22 games played so far this campaign, four points clear of second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns.

Amakhosi were aiming to end their five-year trophy drought by securing the league title, but the season was halted by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

‘I think if people say I have been a revelation [this season]‚ I wouldn’t agree with that because I don’t think individually,’ said Manyama as per SowetanLive.

‘Obviously, I do hear about certain things but when it comes to a team I think I’m more for the team. I think most importantly I’m very happy for where the team is and I’m very happy to have contributed.

‘It’s what’s I wanted to do from the start and I think most of the guys in the team know that I fight for the team first before the individual talk.

‘For me, the most important thing is that we’re trying our best to put Chiefs where it belongs. So, we started very well and we’re about to finish and I think we can do it and we know we can do it but it won’t take individual work. I think it’s all going to work out for the team if we push in the same direction as we’ve been together the whole season.

‘So, I don’t really think much into what I’ve done myself because at the end of the day I have had people assisting me and the people that have scored from my assists are also doing a very good job. So it’s a collective effort, I think.’

The former Cape Town City captain has been one of the standout performers for Amakhosi this season and managed to find the back of the net on seven occasions, while assisting a further nine from 26 appearances across all competitions.

‘I’m humbled to hear that. I’ve heard even from people who’ve done big things for South African football and it’s quite humbling‚’ Manyama said.

‘I want to thank all those that think I deserve that‚ but ja, it’s credit to working hard and never giving up. I play for the team and I don’t think about these things.’

He continued: ‘And if it doesn’t happen‚ look, what’s more important is where Chiefs are. It all depends on where Chiefs ends up but I think it’s kind of pointless if I get the award and Chiefs doesn’t win any trophy.

‘I won’t feel the same. So I’d rather [win it] if we’re champions. It would make sense in that way. But, ja, it’s quite humbling to hear all the talk and stuff but also to remember we still have eight games to go and there are other players that are doing very well and they are also pushing for the individual award.

‘But I’m grateful for what the people are saying about my performances this season.’