Stellenbosch FC midfielder Mpho Matsi believes Lebogang Manyama is an important player in Kaizer Chiefs’ pursuit to win the Absa Premiership title.

The 29-year-old has been one of the standouts and most consistent performers for Amakhosi before the league was suspended due to Covid-19.

Manyama has already managed to find the back of the net on seven occasions and assisted a further nine goals from 26 appearances across all competitions so far this season.

Amakhosi currently sit atop the league standings with 48 points from 21 games and Matsi believes that Chiefs will forfeit the title to Mamelodi Sundowns if Manyama picks up an injury.

‘Mamelodi Sundowns have quality and individual brilliance. Kaizer Chiefs are playing as a team and they have a brilliant player in Lebogang Manyama,’ Matsi told SuperSport.

‘Manyama has done well this season as the main guy for Chiefs. If Chiefs lose Manyama to an injury [long term], then Sundowns would win the league. However, if Manyama continues playing then Sundowns won’t catch Chiefs.’