Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp has expressed disappointment that Lebogang Manyama’s return has been further delayed by injury.
Manyama has endured torrid fortunes in his first season back in the PSL with Chiefs, having managed just 15 appearances across all competitions.
The former Turkish-based forward returned following a pedestrian campaign in the Super Lig but has since spent most of his time in the medical treatment room, first following a car accident and then a knee injury, before Middendorp recently revealed a further delay.
The German is a massive fan of the 27-year-old Bafana Bafana international, and is hopeful of retaining his services for this weekend’s penultimate league clash against Free State Stars as they build towards the all-important Nedbank Cup final in three weeks’ time.
“Everyone has the qualities to assess and judge what the performance and abilities of Lebogang Manyama is,” said Middendorp.
“He is and was, during the December-January period before he got brutally kicked against AmaZulu, one the most qualified players in terms of knowing exactly where he has to be calm in possession, passing and finishing.
“It’s absolutely very disappointing that we still have to wait. He got a little bit of grade one [muscle tear], which is normal procedure of reality, but he was already on a good way recovering similarly or probably even a bit more advanced to Joseph Molangoane.
“We will see what’s possible… We’re planning probably to play him against Free State Stars for some minutes.”
