This was confirmed by the frustrated Italian and Chiefs coach Giovanni Solinas, whose side has amassed more draws than wins since the opening of the PSL season.
AmaKhosi face Matsantsa A Pitori knowing very well at the back of his mind a lose will mean trouble at the Naturena camp- that did not bag any silverware last season.
With Manyama (27), a clever player with an eye to create scoring opportunities, Chiefs hopefuls thought he will don the Black & Gold jersey as they face defending champs of MTN8 SS, this weekend but coach had other ideas.
From the tactical point the coach might be right considering the player has been inactive since leaving his Turkish outfit Konyaspoor in the off season. Will this be a suicidal mission- it remains to be seen…
Another new signee and defender Mario Booysen is also facing the same dilemma of fitness level. He joins Chiefs from relegated Ajax Cape Town.
“Lebo and Mario are very good players and will fit well at a big club like Kaizer Chiefs. We all know what Lebo can offer and Mario is a very good defender, but they still need to catch up in the fitness department before they can play,” Solinas was quoted.
As for “Shabba” finally realising his dream to play abroad, for Chiefs die-hard fans they will ‘die a real death’– to borrow the famous quote from former Baroka coach.
SuperSport will be relishing the opportunity to get one over Amakhosi in the first leg at home before making the trip to the FNB Stadium for the return leg in the first week of September.
Kickoff at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday is at 15:00.
Meanwhile, Downs face Cape Town City in another MTN8 semis clash in Cape Town on Saturday afternoon.
