Lebogang Manyama during the Cape Town City FC media open day at Greenpoint Athletics Track on August 25, 2017 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images)
Manyama, who has joined Turkish side Konyaspor, was dropped for the MTN8 semi-final first leg against Bidvest Wits and City coach Benni McCarthy said he left him out of the team because his mind was not at the right place.
The 26-year-old, however, says he was never concerned by the offers made for his services by other clubs.
“I don’t know how it can be said that I am not focused. When I play football I don’t worry about what is happening around me off the field,” Manyama told IOL.
“I play to enjoy myself and to get better with each game. I can’t come here and question a person’s opinion of how I was. If they felt I was like that then I don’t have a problem with that.
“That is why I have been quiet about it because I respect that. For me there is no problem in going on the field and putting in a shift.”
Manyama says it was difficult to watch the Citizens from the stands.
“It’s a tricky one because when you try argue your point they think you are arrogant. But sometimes you argue because you feel you can do the job,” he explained.
“To be honest, I wanted to argue with him (McCarthy) as I felt I could do the job.
“But at the end of the day it is never about me and it’s not about the coach. I am not Cape Town City. I wasn’t prepared to start something that would have affected the whole team.”
“He [McCarthy] is the boss and I have absolutely no problem with him. We have known each other for some time. He once came to Ajax Cape Town while I was still there and I have known him from then. We have to respect him for all he has done in football. So when he made the call to leave me out of the team, I thought I have to respect the decision,” concluded Manyama.
Manyama is currently with the Bafana Bafana squad preparing for tonight’s 2018 World Cup qualifier against Cape Verde.