Ex-PSL striker opens up about Black Leopards’ relegation

Limpopo-born retired footballer Mpho Maleka has weighed in on Black Leopards’ relegation from the Motsepe Foundation Championship over the weekend. 

Lidoda Duvha were relegated together with arch-rivals Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila in the South African football second tier. 

Leopards were formed by businessman Zakaria Mathelemusa in the Vhembe region in 1983 before it was taken over by the Thidiela family in 1998. 

Just two seasons after the takeover, with Leopards competing in the second tier, the side was able to gain promotion to the PSL.

Maleka, who played for Dynamos back in the days, recalled vividly how the derby between Leopards and Dynamos used to be one of the biggest derbies in South Africa. 

“You know, back in the days one of the biggest derbies in South Africa was Black Leopards and Dynamos,” said Maleka in an interview with Thobela FM. 

“It is really sad to see our biggest club in Limpopo going down. But I’m confident that it is not the end of the road for them.”

‘THEY WILL FIGHT THEIR WAY BACK’ 

However, the ex-Baroka FC, Black Aces, Moroka Swallows, Free State Stars, and AmaZulu reckons that Lidoda Duvha will bounce back stronger in the South African professional football ranks. 

“I believe that they will be able fight and return to the top flight league. And also be able to see more other big derbies in Limpopo,” he added. 

“But to be honest, we have lost as Limpopo people. I’m just hoping that they will able to redeem themselves and come back.”

LEOPARDS’ LAST TWO GAMES IN THE PROFESSIONAL RANKS 

Leopards will play their last two games in the professional ranks against All Stars and rivals Venda Football Academy.

Currently, Owen Da Gama’s side are languishing at the bottom of the second tier’s log Standings. They have managed to collect 22 points after 28 games. 

RELATED STORY: Da Gama pours his heart out after Leopards’ relegation