VFR arrival

[FunFlyer]

If on a long final approach to rwy 26 (arbitrary) and then instructed by the tower to "Circle south for left traffic rwy 26", what is the correct procedure? Is it to just overfly the rwy 1000 feet above TPA, then head south at the midfield and circle right to enter on the 45? Or can the south turn be made early on, coming in parallel but south of the field, then make a right turn to enter on the 45?

Thanks.