It has not been all plain sailing in the professional career of chippa united forward lerato manzini, but this season he is back to his best form and proving once again what many have long known – he is one of the best finishers in the premier soccer league.
A young Lerato Manzini was often berated by his mother after ruining yet another pair of school shoes chasing his dream on the playground. While his peers hit the books after lessons, he would stay behind on the football pitch at Mojaho Primary School, playing until sunset and incurring the wrath of his parent.
He is unapologetic about this because for him, football was always the dream. While others chased careers in other fields, Manzini always knew what he wanted to be. His professional career has been one of ups and downs though, not helped by serious injury and loss of form.
But recent evidence suggests he is starting to reach his full potential as he bangs in the goals at Chippa United, proving one of the most composed finishers in the Premier Soccer League.
“It all comes down to confidence,” he tells KICK OFF. “If you believe in yourself and keep doing what you know works for you, things will happen. I have been down in my career, but my confidence is back and I feel like I can score in every game.
“I am fortunate in that I can score with either foot and can put power into my shots with both feet. I like to think I show composure in the box and always try to pick my spot. You should never panic as a striker.”
The turning point, he says, was a hat-trick he netted in a 4-1 win over Platinum Stars last April, which sparked a run of form that includes three goals in his last two games against Kaizer Chiefs.
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