JOHANNESBURG - Form is temporary but class is permanent - there is no description more apt for Orlando Pirates captain Oupa Manyisa’s current predicament, as those who know him best will tell you.
And after playing a club record 51 games at what appeared to be his peak two seasons ago, perhaps the midfielder should be cut some slack.
Manyisa has been the subject of social media meltdowns from disgruntled Bucs fans who feel the skipper is a weak link in a struggling Pirates team so far in this campaign and want to see him either improve or left out.
But with the Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium today (3.30pm), the 28-year-old’s experience is quite crucial, especially with the fixture being new coach Kjell Jonevret’s first taste of one of Africa’s biggest rivalries.
All through the criticism, the shrugging of shoulders and shaking of heads when Manyisa has not delivered a performance worthy of praise, the Pirates talisman has not uttered a word.
As cliché as it sounds, most footballers love to do the talking on the pitch. Manyisa is also extremely introverted, in front of the press at least.
“I don’t think I have been playing that well since I came back,” he admitted this week.
“We all know that I was out for 10 months (due to an ankle injury in September 2015). I am working very hard at training and my teammates are also trying to help me so I can get back to my best.”
At his best, the Bafana Bafana international equalled a club record 51 games in a single season, which was held only by former goalkeeper Williams Okpara and was undoubtedly one of the best midfielders in the country during that time.
Talk this week was that Manyisa’s slump in form could see him become a victim of a technical team change after he was, for the first time this season, substituted in the 1-1 draw with Polokwane City last Saturday. But some have argued that the Soweto Derby could be an ideal match in which he makes his “comeback”.
“I think I can bring my playing levels up again in the Derby. It was a bit strange for me to be replaced before the end of the game because I am not used to it,” Manyisa said.
“But because we have a new coach, he is trying to show us that this is not a one-man team. Anyone can go in or come out.
“As captain, I also have to play my role in calming my teammates because some of them will be playing in their first Derby. I would like to see us fight as a team.”
Manyisa is adamant he is not fatigued as some have suggested. “I think the 10 months was enough time for me on the sidelines,” he explained.
“I recovered from that
injury and I am well aware I have to start again from the bottom and work my way up to where my form was before I got hurt.”
@superjourno