Oupa Manyisa glad of comeback pre-season match for his 'itchy feet'

29 July 2016 - 15:54 By Marc Strydom

Oupa Manyisa’s return from a 10-month injury in Saturday’s Carling Black Label Cup will give some cheer to Orlando Pirates fans who have clamoured for their diminutive star midfielder’s return for months. Manyisa admits he’s happy previous Bucs coach Eric Tinkler did not rush him back from a broken ankle even when he returned to fitness at the end of last season.But the midfielder also admits he has had itchy feet for months to return to action‚ and cannot wait to set his boots on the FNB Stadium turf‚ having been voted into the starting line-up by Bucs’ supporters in Saturday’s pre-season Black Label Cup against Kaizer Chiefs.Manyisa is a funny character in person. The little man has a glint in the eye and an impish grin‚ and barely says anything answering questions from the press. Answers have to be drawn from the reserved and understated‚ but clearly bright in a streetwise manner.“I won’t dwell on it. All I can say is that the coach has been giving me the confidence and motivation to go out there and play my normal game.“So we’ll see whatever happens on the weekend‚” is his reply to the question of how he’s approaching his first match back‚ and the fact that it takes place against Bucs’ fiercest rivals‚ Chiefs. Manyisa turns on his inbuilt abbreviation mechanism even more asked how the preseason has gone‚ and of the extent of his fitness.“I can say that I’m getting there shortly by shortly‚” Manyisa responds.The twinkle in his eye suggests he’s even enjoying tormenting the group of journalists surrounding him at this week’s Pirates media open day at Rand Stadium.Did previous coach Eric Tinkler do the right thing holding Manyisa back at the end of last season as he returned from a debilitating ankle fracture?“Ja‚ I think it was the right thing to do because I was not ready yet‚” the midfielder responds‚ finally getting into lyrical flow.“Because I wanted to start with the rest of the guys for the pre-season. So I think it was a good thing for him not to play me.“I was itching from the sidelines but it was all part of the doctor’s instructions.” Manyisa said he was looking forward to working under Bucs’ disciplinarian new coach Muhsin Ertugral‚ known for his high emphasis on preparation and tactics.“Everything goes with time. He wants us to work even harder than previously‚ and concentrate more on what he says and wants you to do. We are really enjoying ourselves under him‚” the player said.“I’ve had a few one-on-ones with him‚ where he’s told me I must take it slowly coming back.”Manyisa fractured his ankle in a 0-0 draw against Polokwane City on September 22 last year. His absence was clearly felt by a Bucs team who could not find consistency to end in seventh place in the Premier League and without a trophy.- TMG Digital..

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