CLUB-BY-CLUB ANALYSIS: BLACK LEOPARDS
After spending five seasons in the NFD, you would have bet on Black Leopards to know that the second division is a jungle but such is their negligence that they occupy the basement of the PSL standings with only six matches left to avoid the drop. Lidoda Duvha find themselves in this position despite breaking the bank for experienced players like Thabo Matlaba, Thuso Phala and Mogakolodi Ngele during the close season transfer window last year. With the domestic season having come to a screeching halt in a bid to curb the spread of the coronavirus, this might be the perfect time for the Venda-based team to plot their way going forward.
Their season in a nutshell:
Leopards became the first team to fire their coach this season, when Lionel Soccoia was dismissed after being at the helm for only five matches.
Following the departure of the Frenchman, Morgan Shivambu and Samuel Banda took over as caretaker coaches, but their tenures would only last until January as Cavin Johnson was appointed as the new permanent coach.
Johnson was then placed on special leave – and subsequently sacked – following a string of poor results, with his long-time right-hand man Allan Clark taking over. The latter, though, has done little to rescue the team as Leopards are bottom of the league standings with 23 points, three from safety.
But having lost their last four matches, it will take a team effort to earn at least three wins from their last six matches if they are to play a third successive season in the top flight.
Coach:
It’s going to take something special from Clark to change Leopards, but he’ll be happy to know he has the full backing from his change-room, especially after captain Matlaba said: “The guy is brilliant, he knows his stuff.”
This is Clark’s first assignment as a head coach but the Benoni mentor has done little to establish his approach, instead using the resources put in place by his predecessors.
What they have done right/ strengths:
It was wise of chairman David Thidiela to appoint Clark as coach, as Clark has learnt a thing or two from Johnson.
Not only will this period test Clark’s tactical acumen, but it’s a shot at redemption for another of South Africa’s young coaches. With Clark having been thrown in at the deep end, he knows there is no room for error.
What they have done wrong/ weaknesses:
A leaky defence. Leopards have conceded 36 goals, while only scoring 21.
The goalkeeping department has also had its fair share of injuries with Clark forced to play third choice shot-stopper Rotshidzwa Muleka in the last few matches. The chopping and changing of the coaching personnel hasn’t helped Leopards’ cause either.
Key player:
Matlaba might be on the wrong side of 30, but he has been enjoying his football again with Leopards after being sidelined by Orlando Pirates where he spent seven seasons.
Matlaba’s impressive exploits for Leopards also caught the eye of Bafana Bafana coach Molefi Ntseki, who called him up to the SA national squad before their 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Sao Tome and Principe were postponed last month.
Remaining matches:
Away: v Golden Arrows, AmaZulu and Mamelodi Sundowns Home: v Maritzburg United, SuperSport United and Wits
Form guide: WLLLL