Motsepe Foundation Championship side Black Leopards have surprisingly parted ways with star striker Tiklas Thutlwa with immediate effect.

Leopards were recently relegated from the Motsepe Foundation Championship with two games to spare. Their relegation comes after years of flirting with danger at the national first division.

BLACK LEOPARDS AND TIKLAS THUTLWA PART WAYS

The exodus of players exit was to be expected but the sudden departure of Thutlwa early comes as a huge surprise. The 23-year-old has been rumoured to be on the wanted list of many clubs including Kaizer Chiefs.

DStv Premiership sides such as Sekhukhune United and Marumo Gallants are believed to have made formal offers for the player.

It will now be interesting to see where Thutlwa ends up as he is now eligible to sign with a team of his choice for next season.

Also read: Date set for Limpopo ABC Motsepe playoffs

The club has also parted ways with former Orlando Pirates development side defender Kenneth Nthatheni. Nthatheni was the club’s captain under coach Owen Da Gama.

Da Gama was also relieved of his duties earlier this week. There are more exits expected at the club before they wrap up the season.

Veteran goalkeeper Jackson Mabokgwane is also rumoured to be on his way out.

Morgan Shivambu will be in charge until the end of the current season. The club has also been speculated at looking to purchase status for next season.

So far, All Stars are the only club that has made their intentions of selling clear. Boardroom battles in the league can also not be ruled out given the recent events at the end of the season in the NFD.

It remains to be seen how the two matches for Leopards will pan out given the fact that they have nothing to play for.

Black Leopards star forward Tiklas Thutlwa is recovering well after collapsing during a Motsepe Foundation Championship match recently. 

Thutlwa fell and collapsed after being hit by a ball during the 1-1 draw against Casric Stars on Saturday. The incident took place in the fifth minute and forced the PSL club to take him off. 

Also read: OPINION: I fear for the worst for Black Leopards

Also read: Black Leopards complete the signing of Siphelele Ntshangase

He was subsequently treated by the team Dr on the scene. Head coach Owen Da Gama has since revealed that the player will be rested until a proper test is done. 

Thutlwa is Leopards’ main striker and was the league’s top goal scorer during the 2021/22 season. 

He was linked with a move to Kaizer Chiefs, Sekhukhune United and Marumo Gallants. Gallants and Sekhukhune are believed to have made formal offers to the club which were rejected. 

Tiklas Thutlwa current form 

He has scored seven goals this season with only six matches remaining. His club Black Leopards are in serious danger of being relegated if the current log position remains the same. 

Lidoda Duvha are at the bottom of the log with only 18 points, 18 points below the safety position. Their next match is against Baroka, followed by TTM, Hungry Lions and City Rovers. 

RELATED POST: Motsepe Foundation pump in millions to Schools sports