Ex-Pirates Trialist Set For Fresh Start At…

Litha Manzini during the DStv Diski Challenge 2023/24 match between Cape Town Spurs and Stellenbosch FC

Former Cape Town Spurs defender Litha Manzini is set to continue his career with Motsepe Foundation Championship side Lerumo Lions, with Soccer Laduma understanding the club has moved to secure his services ahead of the 2026/27 season.

The move offers the 23-year-old a fresh opportunity to reignite his professional career after a journey filled with near misses and difficult decisions. 

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Only weeks ago, Manzini opened up to Soccer Laduma about the setbacks that had threatened to derail his ambitions, insisting he remained confident that his breakthrough would eventually come.

One of those setbacks came after he spent almost two months training with Orlando Pirates under then-head coach Jose Riveiro.

Initially invited for what was expected to be a two-week trial, the Buccaneers were impressed enough to extend his stay and proposed a pathway that would have seen him continue his development with the club’s feeder team while training alongside the first team.

However, after weighing up his options, Manzini opted against the move – a decision he admitted in hindsight he regrets.

“I think I should have persevered,” he told Soccer Laduma, reflecting on what remains one of the biggest decisions of his young career.

His return to Cape Town also appeared to open another door after he impressed during a trial with Cape Town City and was offered a contract.

Yet, despite everything seemingly falling into place, the move unexpectedly collapsed before it could be finalised.

Rather than allowing those disappointments to define him, the former Cape Town Spurs DStv Diski Challenge captain rebuilt his confidence with Ubuntu Cape Town, where an encouraging season once again attracted interest from professional clubs.

Now, the Siya crew understands that Lerumo Lions are set to hand the defender the opportunity he has been patiently waiting for as the North West side continues assembling its squad for another season in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.

At the time of his interview with Soccer Laduma, Manzini remained convinced that another opportunity would present itself.

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“I still believe my time will come. Football has taught me to be patient and to keep working hard because you never know when your opportunity will arrive… It’s just about staying patient, trusting God’s timing and continuing to work,” he said.

It now appears that opportunity will come with Lerumo Lions, where the left-sided centre-back will be hoping to finally establish himself in the professional ranks after years of perseverance.

Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix 

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