Former Mamelodi Sundowns star Oupa Manyisa has now revealed that he never actually wanted to play football.
The midfielder has been without a club since January this year and his recent comments would make one speculate whether he enjoys being a free agent more than being attached to a club.
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The 35-year-old won many trophies in his day and was also a part of the legendary Buccaneers squad that won the treble in two consecutive seasons.
So, given his background and the trophies he won with the Soweto side as well as Mamelodi Sundowns, it cam as a surprise when he admitted that he does not watch football on a regular basis.
He then also divulged that he did not share the same passion for the game that would be common among children who have dreams of playing at the highest level.
"I never wanted to play football, first of all," Manyisa said on the Bettor pod with Lorenz Kohler.
"I never wanted to play. I was forced to play football at school," he added.
"The teachers at school [got me into soccer].
"When the school lost, I was getting hiding every Wednesday and Friday."
The teachers then told him that he needs to play football, "because all of my uncles played football."
Replying to being asked by 10Bet podcaster Lorenz Kohler on why he did not have that natural love for soccer, he said: "I don't know. just wanted to stay at home with my grandparents. They're always treating me nice, I guess."
When asked about whether his lack of passion for the game resulted in him not having a longer career, Manyisa said it was actually injuries that shortened his time as a professional.
"I broke both of my legs. [At] Pirates I broke the left leg [and at] Sundowns I broke the right leg. Then from there I said, 'Nah, I can't do this anymore.'
"I won't be walking with crutches at 35 years."
The midfielder admitted on the podcast that he's now "done" and added, "I think I must do a proper announcement."
The diminutive midfielder made 278 professional club appearances over his career, according to Transfermarkt, with the bulk of it being for Pirates.
Watch the full interview here:
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