Languishing at the bottom of the Motsepe Foundation Championship, Black leopards are relegation bound, writes Khathu Mafadza.

This time around I don’t really foresee them surviving the well grinded axe.

Lidoda Duvha as they are affectionately known in the football circles have not been convincing at all this season. They have already played 21 league games registering only two wins.

I’m talking about a soccer team which at some stage were pronounced as giant killers during their heydays in the PSL. 

ALSO READ: Black Leopards complete the signing of Siphelele Ntshangase

Club Chairman Mr David Thidiela doesn’t seem to have the interest of his own club at heart. Recently he has been taking drastic decisions. The only person who can save them out of this misery is Joel Muporofita Masutha, unfortunately he is  currently committed to Venda Football Academy.

Last season they survived relegation after finding themselves in the similar position. Come the end of the season Lidoda Duvha will be participating in the ABC Motsepe league.

MALAMULELE MOVE NOT WORKING OUT?

Following their relocation to Malamulele Stadium away from their slaughter house Thohoyandou, Leopards have been performing poorly in front of minimal supporters.

They really enjoyed large support coming from all the  corners of the Vhembe District, this was precisely because of the Thohoyandou Stadium which is located in the center and it’s easily accessible by all.

ALSO READ: Leopards appoint Owen Da Gama as head coach

This club commands a huge history. It will be a very painful scenario for the people of Limpopo. Particularly those in the Vhembe region if they were to be relegated.

BLACK LEOPARDS HAVE PRODUCED QUALITY PLAYERS IN THE PAST

Some of the big named players to have played for Lidoda duvha include the striking duo of Mulondo Sikhwivhilu and Rudzani Ramudzuli. Th both went on to play for Orlando Pirates. Others are Christopher Netshidzivhe who many will remember as the free kick-specialist, the likes of captain fantastic Wanani Mulaudzi, lengthy striker Coxwell Ratshivhadelo, Vusi Kharivhe, Malawian national Robert Nga’mbi and many more.

During their prime time they even reached the Nedbank Cup finals, let’s be prepared for some sad goodbyes to this once feared football institution.

As their slogan says, “Lidoda duvha”, loosely translated “The day shall come”, indeed the relegation day is finally looming.

I thank you.

Khathu Mafadza

*Mafadza is a former sports journalist at Northern Media Group. He writes this Opinion piece in his personal capacity.