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Muzi Manyike (Gallo Images)
- Muzi Manyike, a former captain of SA Schools, has been reported missing.
- The 20-year-old center, who was under contract with the Lions before he was granted an early release to join the national academy of seven, is believed to have been last seen in Pretoria North last Wednesday.
- Manyike is considered to be a very gifted player with leadership qualities.
Concern for the welfare of former SA Schools captain Muzi Manyike is mounting after he was reported missing.
The 20-year-old playmaker, who can play flyhalf and center, is believed to have been last seen in Pretoria North on November 18, with unconfirmed reports of CCTV footage showing him simply abandoning his car.
A missing persons case has been opened in Randfontein SAPS.
“It’s obviously a very distressing situation,” said Kobus Porter, Manyike’s agent. Sport24 Monday.
“I have been in constant contact with Muzi’s parents for the past few days. At the end of last week, they became very concerned about her continued absence and contacted us.”
Manyike had been in the frame to appear with the Lions in their successful U21 Provincial Championship campaign last month, but did not appear after closing a deal to join the seven national academy in September.
The Lions confirmed that his contract with the union was expiring at the end of October anyway and that he requested an early release.
“We are all very concerned and his family, who will receive our full support, is on everyone’s mind,” Porter said.
“We encourage anyone with information to come forward.”
Manyike was a true star in the Lions youth structures, having represented union teams in all age groups.
Chosen as crew chief in Jeppe Boys in 2018, he appeared at Craven Week twice, winning the national team in his final year as official vice captain and replacing regular captain Adrian Alberts in the first game of the international series that year.
Manyike also represented the U-17 and 18 Sevens national teams and was in the Junior Springbok mix earlier this year before retiring due to injury.
Anyone with information can contact Douglas at 071 334 7531 or the relevant authorities.
