A former Kaizer Chiefs star has been forced to end his football playing career at the age of 32 due to a knee injury.
In a heartbreaking statement released on Friday on social media, Lebogang Manyama revealed that he was misdiagnosed and as a result had to hang up his boots.
“After being miraculously misdiagnosed with MCL [meniscus tears] when in fact I had torn my ACL [ligament in the centre of the knee] 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,” said Manyama on his official Instagram account.
“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 and for that I want to thank my family for the undying support from when I was a little boy kicking about in Alex.”
Manyama enjoyed a stellar career which started at Alexandra United FC before moving on to play for DStv Premiership sides such as Ajax Cape Town, Black Aces, SuperSport United, Cape Town City and most recently Kaizer Chiefs. He also played his football abroad in Turkey at Super Lig side, Konyaspor.
In addition, he won the 2016/17 PSL Golden Boot award with 13 goals to his name. Manyama also clinched the Telkom knockout twice, one at SuperSport and the other at CT City.
However, the ex-Bafana Bafana midfielder had been clubless since leaving Chiefs last year in March. Manyama was at some stage linked with a return to CT City.
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MANYAMA’S STATEMENT
“Thanks to all the junior teams I played for … in Alex N @ Balfour park football club secondly I would like to thank @map__gamesalex @cmaphalla @therealpitsomosimane for the opportunity @Fc Alex without you there’s no Lebogang Manyama.
“I would like to thank @capetownspurs_fc @capetowncityfc @mpumalanga_black_aces @supersport_unitedfc, @kcfcofficial and everyone associated with these wonderful institutions for the opportunity n trust I enjoyed all of it the good n bad days, the ups n downs end of day.
“Life-long memories and bonds were made. To everyone that’s cheered my name criticised me advised me looked up to me n even those that are still gonna criticise me after this.
“Thank you I am because of all of you, to all my ex-teammates coaches opponents everyone associated with this wonderful game. It’s been an honour to be able to compete in this era of so many special players once again.
“Thanks a lot, @pumasouthafrica @t_mash.inc @thereal_lefatsutsulupa appreciate all u have done for me for the past 9/10 years.
“And Lastly Thank U Lord for the Talent [and] allowing me to showcase it over and over again [and] as I go in for my fourth surgery on this knee I ask for your protection once again; there are many of you I didn’t mention ASANTE Sana See u guys very soon SKOMRADA.”
Overall, in his career, Manyama featured in 300 games at a professional level, scoring 55 goals and registering 39 assists in 12 seasons.