black leopards 2019-20 PSL Fixtures results live scores news

Photo: thesouthafrican.com

Black Leopards: 2019-20 PSL Fixtures, results, live scores and latest news

Here’s everything you need to know about Black Leopards for the 2019-20 PSL season.

black leopards 2019-20 PSL Fixtures results live scores news

Photo: thesouthafrican.com

Black Leopards only just survived relegation in 2018-19, but their fans were arguably the best in the league. Consistently turning out in numbers at Thohoyandou Stadium, they made it a difficult place for opponents to visit.

Lidoda Duvha will need to improve on the road if they are to build on their 13th finish in their first season back in the top flight. However, with a host of new signings including the experienced Thuso Phala and Thabo Matlaba, they are well-equipped to kick on.

“The crowd is the one that pushes the team to do well, but the team did not have a right record away from home last season, which is something we need to fix. But I’m looking forward to playing in front of the crowd at Thohoyandou because those people support the team,” said Matlaba — as quoted by Kick Off.

Former SuperSport United winger Thuso Phala expressed similar sentiment as he was quoted by Phakaaathi as saying: “It’s something special for me to play in front of the Thohoyandou Stadium fans.

“I had offers in Johannesburg but after speaking to the chairman (David Thidiela) it was something different from going to Highlands or Wits.”

Phala joined following an acrimonious departure from Matsatsantsa, but claimed to be determined to make amends through his performances at Lidoda Duvha.

“I kind of learnt something as a person. I regret leaving the way I left (SuperSport United) I think the way the club treated me and the memories I shared with the club I think how I left was not fair to the club and the fans of the team,” said Phala.

“But whatever mistakes you make as a player you learn from them so you don’t repeat the same mistake twice. I have learnt from it, me leaving at the end of the season and saying goodbye to the club and the fans would have been proper.”

The highly respected former Orlando Pirates captain was a major addition who offers solidity to Lidoda Duvha. Another notable signing was Madagascan midfielder Adriamirado Andrianarimanana, who joined on loan from Kaizer Chiefs.

Black Leopards have also brought in new coach Lionel Soccoia to replace the departed Dylan Kerr. Speaking to TimesLIVE from Yorkshire in May, The Englishman revealed: 

“I had to decide what I was going to do before I came home and I’ve had a long hard think about it over the last week.

“I think what I achieved with the club was amazing.

“I’ll admit I make a few mistakes along the way but to not even get a “well done” or “congratulations” from management after the end of the season was heartbreaking to me.”

Although Kerr admitted he did not always enjoy his relationship with owner David Thidiela, he claimed that Lidoda Duvha’s players gave him a good experience.

It will be interesting to see whether or not seasoned traveller Soccoia is able to win over both Thidiela and the Black Leopards fans.

Black Leopards nicknames

Lidoda Duvha

Black Leopards history

The team from Thohoyandou was founded in 1983 before being taken over in 1998 by the Thidiela family. This was not a popular acquisition among fans of Lidoda Duvha at first, but much time has passed since.

Black Leopards have been a yo-yo team in the PSL and it looked for much of the 2018-19 campaign as if they might head straight to the NFD again after just one season in the Absa Premiership following promotion. 

Black Leopards had earned their spot in the top flight through the playoffs, beating Jomo Cosmos and Platinum Stars under the guidance of Joel Masutha. However, their Absa Premiership campaign got off to a poor start.

In stepped Dylan Kerr, replacing Masutha as coach. Instantly, the Englishman instilled a winning touch at Lidoda Duvha.

However, even he was only narrowly able to steer Black Leopards to safety after a disappointing last few weeks of their campaign. Away form was a concern throughout and this is one area in which Black Leopards will certainly need to improve if they are to move forward as a club.

Black Leopards: Latest news and live scores

Black Leopards latest news

Black Leopards: Live scores

Black Leopards 2019-20 squad

Forwards: Thuso Phala, Ivan Mahangwahaya, Lefa Hlongwane, Mwape Musonda, Tumelo Khutlang, Lesedi Kapinga

Midfilders: Robert Ngambi, Mogakolodi Ngele, Tshwarelo Bereng, Thokozani Sekotlong, Khuliso Mudau, Mthokozisi Nene, Jean Djunga Munganga, Joseph Mhlongo, Karabo Tshepe, Tsheamo Mashoene, Thabiso Gordon Mokoena

Defenders: Thabo Matlaba, Themba Ndlovu, Siyabonga Zulu, Khomotso Masia, Pentjie Zulu, Chris Katjiukua

Black Leopards: PSL season 2019-20 fixtures and results