| Player Profile | |
|---|---|
| Name | Lebogang Manyama |
| Nationality | South African |
| Date of Birth | 13th September 1990 |
| Club | Kaizer Chiefs |
| Position | Attacking midfield |
History of Lebogang Manyama
Tembisa, South Africa, a large township is the birthplace of Lebogang Manyama one of the most celebrated footballers from the only African country ever to host the FIFA World Cup. Manyama, a.k.a. Lebo is the last born in a family of three, and he has two older brothers.
Lebogang Manyama developed a passion for football while residing in Alexandra, South Africa.
A little-known fact is the prolific attack-minded midfielder grew up in the same neighborhood in Alexandra with Brian Baloyi—the goalkeeper who spent over a decade at Kaizer Chiefs.
It, therefore, doesn’t come as a surprise that Manyama had dreams of playing for Amakhosi (the Chiefs) before his teenage years.
Like most children in South Africa, Lebo Manyama started playing football at a young age in his neighborhood with hopes of developing into some of the best soccer players in South Africa.
School is another environment that allowed Manyama to grow into the footballer we know today, and this didn’t happen overnight. Continue reading as we explore Manyama’s football career.
Lebogang Manyama In South Africa
2010: The start of Manyama’s professional football career
2010 is the year Lebogang Manyama dived into the premier and competitive world of football. The talented player successfully moved from FC Alexandra to Ajax Cape Town.
In addition to displaying a stand-out performance on August 20th, 2010, against Mamelodi Sundowns, Manyama eventually became the player to watch in the South African Premier League thanks to his impressive performances at Ajax Cape Town.
First, it is essential to note that Lebo’s stint at Ajax Cape Town lasted between 2010 and 2013. The midfielder’s outstanding skills and prowess with the ball shone during the three seasons at Ajax Cape Town.
It, therefore, doesn’t come as a surprise that numerous teams were interested in getting his signature. Eventually, Supersport United convinced Manyama to pen a deal with them, and this was when Ajax Cape Town lost one of its most valuable emerging talents.
2013—2016: Supersport United
Lebogang Manyama’s stint at Supersport United started in 2013 and ended in 2016. Also, remember that the attacking midfielder spent part of the 2015/2016 season on a loan stint at Mpumalanga Black Aces.
Unfortunately, an injury halted his progress at Amazayoni during the loan stint. Consequently, Lebo’s progress and season were prematurely interrupted.
2016—2017: Cape Town City F.C.
The 2016/2017 season came with new fortunes as Lebogang successfully moved to Cape Town City F.C. The prolific attacking midfielder assumed the captaincy role during the team’s (PSL) Premier Soccer League tournament.
The 2016/2017 season also saw Manyama lead Cape Town City F.C. to its first-ever victory at the Telkom Knockout Cup Trophy. Here’s is an exciting twist. Lebogang Manyama and his new teammates had to face Supersport United –a team the midfielder had represented earlier in his career to win the knockout cup.
Believe it or not, the 2016/2017 season was the defining moment in Lebo’s professional career. Years of hard work, development, and consistent performances earned Manyama recognition as the South African Player of the year.
Moreover, the midfielder earned this recognition for three consecutive months, and he was also the league’s top goalscorer.
2017—2018: Konyaspor
Following the success of the 2016/2017 season, Lebogang Manyama secured a transfer to Konyaspor—a competitive Turkish outfit. The attack-minded player’s stint at the club only lasted one year.
Lebo’s biggest complaint during his time at Konyaspor was insufficient game time. Eventually, Manyama and the club mutually decided to end the contract.
Manyama’s agent was against the contract termination, but he could do nothing to convince the player from leaving. It is worth noting that Manyama only enjoyed ten appearances with Konyaspor, and he netted two goals during this time.
Most importantly, remember that Lebogang Manyama left Konyaspor as a free agent.
2018–Present
It was only a matter of time before the 28-year old made a comeback on South Africa’s football scene. Kaizer Chiefs took the opportunity to sign the midfielder while he was a free agent. Of course, yes.
The move paid off since Lebogang helped Kaizer Chiefs secure a 4-1 victory during his debut match against Cape Town City F.C. The midfielder received a 3-year contract from 2018 to 2021.
The contract expired, but the great news is Lebo has signed a new deal that binds him to Kaizer Chiefs until June 30th 2023.
Lebogang Manyama Notable Performances
Breaking records, making comebacks, and leading his teammates to glory have made Lebogang Manyama one of the most celebrated sports personalities. Read on to explore some of his heroic feats on the football pitch.
- Manyama delivered a stellar performance during his debut match for Ajax Cape Town. The team was playing against Mamelodi Sundowns on August 20th, 2020. The full-time result was 1-1 (a draw), and the game’s outcome was decided by last-minute penalties in which Ajax Cape Town won 4-3 (on penalties).
- The 2015/2016 season saw Manyama play for Supersport United. The midfielder’s promising loan spell at Mpumalanga Black Aces was cut short by an injury at the season’s final stages.
- Lebogang Manyama led Cape Town City F.C. to victory in the 2016 Telkom Knockout Cup Trophy competitions
- The 2016/2017 season was arguably the midfielder’s best season. Lebogang received South Africa’s coveted footballer of the Season award. However, the player maintains that football is a team sport, and personal accolades do not outweigh a team’s achievements.
- Last but not least, Manyama ended a 26-month goal drought in the South African Premiership by netting two goals in Kaizer Chief’s 3-2 comeback while gaming at Highlands Park Sunday
Lebogang Manyama International Career
Few elite footballers in South Africa can represent their nations during international competitions.
Lebogang Manyama is among the best players to ever wear a South African jersey during a competitive football match that involves the country. The midfielder has made 11 appearances for his side at the international level.
Manyama prefers playing as a false nine or midfielder during international games. Coaches who deploy him in these positions give him the freedom to dictate the attack momentums seamlessly as he interchanges gameplay between the two positions.
You will not believe this, but Lebo had to wait for 22 years and ten months to receive his first call-up to South Africa’s national team.
Some of the countries Manyama has faced include; Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, Angola, and Zimbabwe during international friendlies and the AFCON competitions.
Manyama has also played against Cape Verde, Burkina Faso, and Senegal during World Cup Qualification for Africa.
| Lebogang Manyama Teams | |
|---|---|
| Team | Period |
| Kaizer Chiefs FC | 2018 to present |
| Konyaspor | 2017 to 2018 |
| Cape Town City FC | 2016 to 2017 |
| Mpumalanga Black Aces (Loan Spell) | 2015 to 2016 |
| Supersport United FC | 2013 to 2016 |
| Cape Town Spurs FC | 2010 to 2013 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Lebogang Manyama
The elite South African footballer currently represents South Africa’s national team. Manyama also plays for Kaizer Chiefs.
2022 Kaizer Chiefs salary information shows that Lebogang is the fifth most paid player on the team. The player pockets an R300,000 monthly salary.
The attack-minded player enjoys plying his trade as an attacking midfielder or false 9. Coaches who deploy him in these positions allow him to impact the game with his style of play.
Born on September 13th, 1990, the player is heading for the peak of his prime.
Are you thinking of using Kaizer Chiefs during a FIFA tournament? It will help to note that Manyama is a right-foot player.
The elite footballer was born in Tembisa, South Africa. However, you should note that he grew up and spent his early childhood years in Alexandra, South Africa.
21 is the number on Lebogang’s Jersey. The player uses the same number when representing Kaizer chiefs and the national team.