Manyama: I always dreamt about playing for Chiefs

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Giovanni Solinas and Lebogang Manyama of Kaizer Chiefs.

Kaizer Chiefs star Lebogang Manyama is expecting AmaZulu to put up a fight when the two side’s lock horns in the Absa Premiership on Saturday.

The 28-year-old made his official debut for Amakhosi during their 4-1 victory over Cape Town City last weekend which saw Khama Billiat netted a brace while Siyabonga Ngezana and Philani Zulu both got on the score sheet to hand Chiefs all three points.

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However, the former City captain was rested for Tuesday’s 2-0 win over Free State Stars, but Manyama is relishing the chance to make his second appearance for a team he ‘dreamed of playing for’.

‘We have to continue working as a team and if we do that, results will come,’ Manyama told his club’s official website.

‘I always dreamt about playing for Chiefs.

‘We have to press as a team, but if one or two players don’t do what they are supposed to do, it becomes very difficult to get it right and the opponent might punish the gaps left open.

‘It’s crucial to work as a team with everyone knowing the role he has to play – not only on the ball, but also off the ball. We are working hard to get this right.’

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The Chiefs midfielder feels he might have made the move abroad a bit late in his career following his short stint at Turkish side Konyaspor last season.

‘Turkey is a very tough environment to play soccer. It’s very tactical and the teams are defensively very compact and difficult to break down. I learnt a lot though and have become a better player,’ he added.

‘You always want to play 30 league games in one, but that’s not sustainable. It’s important to take it one game at the time, because the season is long.

‘I was already 26-year-old when going to Turkey, while most players who succeed in Europe leave at a much younger age. I should probably have gone earlier, but that’s how it is.’

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Manyama also commented on their upcoming fixture against AmaZulu: ‘They have a good coach in Cavin Johnson. They are a running team and are difficult to play against. We will have to fight to get the three points.’

Kaizer Chiefs are set to welcome AmaZulu in the Absa Premiership when the two sides square off at the FNB Stadium on Saturday with kick off set for 6pm.

Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix