Oupa Manyisa to carry on playing in Botswana? Image: SNL24
Orlando Pirates legend Oupa Manyisa makes shock career claim
Orlando Pirates legend Oupa Manyisa is ready to call time on his illustrious football career. Here’s what the dynamo has said.
Oupa Manyisa to carry on playing in Botswana? Image: SNL24
Former Orlando Pirates midfield dynamo Oupa Manyisa says he was forced to play football. Now, he’s finished with the sport.
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Oupa Manyisa calling it quits
Manyisa lifted five league titles and was a double-treble-winner with Pirates. He also reached the AFCON quarter-finals with Bafana Bafana. In the last five years, his career has petered out somewhat, with just 14 top-flight appearances in that timeframe. There were rumours he could be moving to La Masia or even the Botswanan league but speaking to the Bettor Pod, the former Buccaneers star says the time is right to call it a day.
“I don’t watch football, [the last game I watched] was Orlando Pirates and Sundowns [this season]. It was the first time I went to the stadium [since not playing], I don’t watch on TV, I never wanted to play football, I was forced to play at school,” Manyisa said.
“I don’t know but I never wanted to play, the teachers at school [forced me], and when the school lost I would get a hiding, every Wednesday and Friday. And they said I needed to play football because all my uncles did and it meant something there.
“I don’t know [why I didn’t love football], I just wanted to stay at home with my grandparents, they were always treating me nice.”
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Orlando Pirates legend Manyisa cites injuries as a major push factor
The 35-year-old says that it was two major injuries from which he never fully recovered, rather than a loss of love for the beautiful game, as the major factors behind his decision.
“For me, it was injuries [that hindered my career], I broke both of my legs, Pirates was the left leg, Sundowns was the right leg – then from there, I said ‘Nah, I can’t do this anymore’, I can’t be walking with crutches at 35-years-old.
“For now, I’m done [I’m retired], I’ve never mentioned anything [in the media] but for me and football [I’m done], I think I need to make a proper announcement.”
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Meanwhile, hit up James Freemantle for more insights, analysis and love for the beautiful game
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