LIMPOPO – The relationship between Black Leopards and head coach Joel ‘Prophet’ Masutha has officially come to an end.

Masutha resigned last Monday, two days after Lidoda Duvha suffered a 1-0 defeat to Cape Town City at Thohoyandou Stadium.

Leopards’ season has been marred by chaos from the outset, largely due to a Fifa-imposed transfer ban which prevented the club from registering its new signings.

As a result, the team was forced to play without the required number of u/23 players and even fielded only 10 players in their opening fixture, a 3-0 loss to Casric Stars, with captain and defender Thendo Mukumela standing in as goalkeeper.

The ban stems from a long-standing dispute involving All Stars, the club whose Motsepe Foundation Championship status Leopards purchased after their 2022/23 relegation.

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All Stars were already facing two registration bans issued on April 14 and May 1, and it is understood that an unpaid claim by a former All Stars player triggered the latest sanction.

Despite the setbacks, Leopards have managed two wins, three draws and five defeats so far. They are scheduled to face Venda Football Club in the Vhembe derby on November 21.

Club president David Thidiela confirmed Masutha’s departure and announced the appointment of former Golden Arrows coach Mabhuti Khanyedza as the new head coach, assisted by Abel Makhubela.

Thidiela praised Masutha’s professionalism and contribution to the club, saying it had been difficult to part ways with a coach of his calibre.

Masutha said the loss to Cape Town City prompted deep reflection, leading him to conclude that it was time for new leadership and fresh ideas.

“I did everything within my power. It was not an easy decision to resign, but I discussed the matter with management and wished them well in the remaining matches. I did not want to waste the club’s time and resources.”