Ex-Leopards manager: Thidiela took the backseat too soon

Former team manager and coach at Black Leopards, Mlungisi Ngubane, states that the club would not have achieved its current position if owner David Thidiela had continued to be directly involved in its daily operations.

Lidoda Duvha will ultimately be relegated to the amateur ranks following their demotion from the South African second-tier, the Motsepe Foundation Championship, to the ABC Motsepe League this weekend.

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The Limpopo-based club experienced a challenging 2025/2026 season. Apparently, the club is contesting the relegation decision through arbitration, alleging the Premier Soccer League (PSL) erred in its handling of the FIFA ban.

Leopards chairman, Chief Thidiela, was unavailable for comment.

Ngubane told KickOff, "Sometimes, the love for our children blinds us. David Thidiela cares deeply for his sons, but as a family passionate about football, they must carry on, they just need to change their methods."

He added, "Past efforts over the last two seasons have been unsuccessful, and the inability to register players has critically hindered their progress. I was optimistic about their chances after the recent match against Midlands, where the team appeared transformed under the new coaches, Sundra Govinder and Duncan Lechesa. However, losing home games continues to pose a significant problem.

"It is evident that they have not fundamentally changed their strategic approach since acquiring their status approximately two seasons ago. From a financial perspective, there is little to justify their previous losses. They are no longer the Black Leopards of Mulondo Sikhwivhilu. In professional football, external expertise is essential to foster growth.

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"David Thidiela contributed to their current difficulties by withdrawing from active management prematurely, relying excessively on his son. The inability to sign new players has significantly impeded their progress," Ngubane concluded.