Lebogang Manyama, who returned to action last weekend after a lengthy injury, may slot into a new role at Kaizer Chiefs this season. ...
Lebogang Manyama, who returned to action last weekend after a lengthy injury, may slot into a new role at Kaizer Chiefs this season.
A few times now, coach Stuart Baxter has mentioned the player among his list of strikers and hinted that Manyama being fully fit presents him with options.
During his press conference this week building up to Amakhosi’s DStv Premiership clash at home against Royal AM on Saturday, the Siya crew asked the Englishman for clarity on where or how he is likely to use Manyama.
“I don’t know, I am thinking. I don’t know if it’s a masterstroke by me or an exercise in futility without having worked with him in that role,” said Baxter.
“I can’t really confirm that. But Lebo has everything to compete on many fronts. He could be one of the players in the pockets – the wide players or a false nine. He could be a running midfield player, he can help us in a lot of ways.”
Baxter used Manyama as a striker while he was Bafana Bafana coach at one point during the 2018 World Cup qualifiers.
“He is a bit like Bernard (Parker), who can play in a few positions. I am looking forward to getting Lebo back. Khama (Billiat) can play in that false nine or cut in from the sides. We actually played against the champions from Botswana in a friendly the other day and Mshini (Nkosingiphile Ngcobo) played in that false nine and was absolutely spot on, creating spaces for people to duck in behind him and get on the ball and arriving in the box a little bit later – so that position could be one of the roles,” the coach explained.
Baxter also reiterated that he would not discuss the possibility of signing a striker when he’s not really had a look at everyone else who could potentially be used as a forward.
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