Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp has revealed that Lebogang Manyama’s return has been further delayed after suffering a minor injury setback.

The 28-year-old has made just 15 appearances across all competitions in the current campaign after suffering a number of injuries.

Manyama was first sidelined after sustaining a broken bone in his arm following a car accident, before picking up a knee injury soon thereafter.

Middendorp revealed that the former Cape Town City captain picked up a mild muscle strain, but remains hopeful that Manyama will get an opportunity to stretch his legs against Free State Stars.

‘Everyone has the qualities to assess and judge what the performance and abilities of Lebogang Manyama is,’ Middendorp told the media.

‘He is, and was, during the December-January period before he was brutally kicked [in the game] against AmaZulu, one of the most qualified players in terms of knowing exactly where he has to be calm in possession, passing and finishing.

‘It’s very disappointing that we still have to wait. He got a little bit of a grade one muscle tear, which is normal procedure of reality, but he was already on a good way recovering, similarly or probably even a bit more advanced to Joseph Molangoane.

‘We will see what’s possible. We’re planning probably to play him against Free State Stars for some minutes.’