Share

Chiefs' Manyama says Turkey was a tough environment

Cape Town - Kaizer Chiefs forward Lebogang Manyama has admitted that at 26 he was too old to move to Konyaspor in Turkey, though he learned valuable lessons.

READ: PSL blasts R50m SAFA OUTsurance sponsorship deal

Manyama joined the Turkish outfit following a stellar 2016/17 campaign with Cape Town City where he ended as the Premiership's leading scorer, and walked away with the South African Footballer of the Season gong.

Nonetheless, he failed to make the breakthrough with Konyaspor as he made just a handful of appearances before being released as a free agent ahead of 2018/19.

Now 28, the Tembisa-born star was snapped up by Chiefs and made his debut in the recent 4-1 victory over Cape Town City where he bagged an assist.

Speaking to his side's official website, he said: "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. 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."

Ahead of Amakhosi's next Absa Premiership clash against AmaZulu on Saturday, the player added: "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."

Kick-off is at 18:00.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2250 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE