Stuart Baxter sees Lebogang Manyama as the next Bernard Parker, a man capable of playing all over the park for Kaizer Chiefs.
Amakhosi coach has hinted at a surprising new role for Manyama, playing at striker.
“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,” Baxter said.
Baxter previously used Manyama as a striker when he was in charge of Bafana Bafana during their 2018 World Cup qualifiers.
“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”, said Baxter.
Baxter compared Manyama to Parker in terms of his ability to play several positions for Amakhosi.
“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,” said Baxter.
Chiefs next DStv Premiership match is against Royal AM at the FNB Stadium on Saturday.
