Black Leopards’ Dax cleared to return after serving four-month ban

Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Andriamirado ‘Dax’ Andrianarimanana has been cleared to return to the playing field after completing his four-month FIFA suspension.

In February 2020, the world football governing body banned Dax for four months after his former club, Forsa Juniors contested his transfer in 2018 to Kaizer Chiefs. The Madagascan club argue that he still had a contract in place at the club when joining the Amakhosi.

Dax cleared to return

Dax is now employed by Black Leopards after joining them in 2019 on a permanent deal. Lidoda Duvha have since confirmed that their Malagasy midfielder has been cleared by FIFA to return to action following his ban.

“Ja, we are taking everyone. We even have ten players that were promoted from MDC, and we are also taking them with us,” Black Leopards Football Manager David Thidiela told KickOff.

“There is a letter from FIFA, they sent it to the PSL and SAFA, and we have a copy. As our player, we need to go and support him throughout.”

Leopards preparing for bio-bubble

Leopards are deep in preparations ahead of the return of league action next week. Thidiela confirmed that they’re to arrive in Gauteng from Limpopo five days before entering the bio-safe environment.

“We are just preparing, we are still pushing. I think we will be in Gauteng five days before the bubble. There’s a mini-bubble before you go to the bubble. Remember, we still have to do tests and then afterwards everyone must stay in camp, in one place. Then we get results and once they are clear, everyone will then go into the bubble.”

Dax has already made 10 appearances for Black Leopards this season and the Madagascan international will be looking at making a meaningful contribution towards the club following his four-month ban.