Changes for Leopards

THE name of Kosta Papic’s successor at Black Leopards will be made public next week.

Lidoda Duvha had been without a coach since the Serbian mentor jumped ship to join newly promoted Premier Soccer League club Chippa United shortly after the Venda-based club failed to secure a promotion to the PSL.

Black Leopards public relations officer, Barry Ramunenyiwa said since Papic’s sudden departure, the club was inundated with applications for the position, and the shortlisting for the new mentor will be done today (Wednesday).

“We received a lot of applications from local, as well as international coaches.

“After shortlisting possible candidates, the board will decide on the best candidate, with the announcement likely to happen next week,” said Ramunenyiwa.

Ramunenyiwa confirmed that the club did not acquire any new players as the new coach must give direction on who must be signed. “The club will host trials for the new coach to identify talent and the management will only sign players whom the coach will recommend,” Ramunenyiwa added.

Black Leopards, who have lost striker David Zulu to Chippa United too, are on the verge of losing Rendani Ndou, whose contract will expire at the end of June. Ramunenyiwa confirmed that Ndou’s contract with Leopards will come to an end next week and it is likely that the player might not renew it.

The former Maranzhe Hungry Lions striker joined Lidoda Duvha from National First Division club, Sivutsa Stars in January. The burly striker has been linked with a move to rivals Polokwane City. Other players who are heading for the exit include Edgar Manaka, who was courted by Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and Polokwane City FC.

Midfielder, Mumuni Abubakar was on loan from Mamelodi Sundowns and is likely to return to Chlorokop.

Goalkeeper, Dino Visser, who was brought in by Papic, was rumoured to be on his way to City FC, but the latter denied these reports.