Cameroon legend Samuel Eto'o has backed South Africa international Lebogang Manyama to succeed in Turkey.
The 27-year-old departed South African shores at the beginning of the 2017/18 season following a stellar campaign with his former side Cape Town City. But despite high expectations, Manyama has failed to make the starting spot his own at Konyaspor.
Manyama played just 180 minutes in the Turkish Super lig and this has partly been down to the fact that the club roped in the services of three-time Uefa Champions League winner Eto'o in the January transfer window from fellow Turkish side Antalyaspor.
Manyama’s struggles in Europe has subsequently led to much speculation regarding a return to the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
However, Eto'o has expressed his admiration for the Bafana Bafana star, suggesting that he should bide his time before returning to South African shores.
“He’s an incredible player, but he just hasn’t had the chance to play much this year. I know that he is a very good player and I want to wish him all the best,” the veteran striker told The Star.
Eto'o believes the key to Manyama succeeding in Europe is to bang in the goals on a regular basis. Something which shouldn't be too difficult for him considering that he was the PSL top scorer with 13 goals before he departed.
“He needs to score a lot of goals,” Eto'o said.
“And I think he can do it because he is a very good player,” he added.
Meanwhile, the former Cameroon international who recently turned 37 reveals that in spite of his aging legs he is not planning to stop just yet as he has two years remaining on his current deal.
“I am still fit and I am enjoying myself on the pitch. I think I still want to keep going, but it is not about trying to win the Champions League again or playing in those tournaments,” he said.
"I have won it three times (twice with Barcelona and once with Inter Milan) and that’s enough for me. No, I don’t miss it,” he concluded.