FIFA World Cup 1998 Bafana Bafana squad member Simon Gopane is back in the PSL after a year out of the professional ranks.
The ex-Bafana goalkeeper had been without a club since parting ways with Royal AM in 2022, where he was serving as an assistant coach.
Gopane had moved to the KZN after Royal AM purchased the DStv Premiership status of Bloemfontein Celtic.
However, the 52-year-old, together with Ditheko Mototo and Kgosi Molokwane, were shown the door after six months at the club.
EX-BAFANA KEEPER SIMON GOPANE HAS FOUND A NEW HOME
FARPost has now spotted Gopane at Motsepe Foundation Championship side Black Leopards. He has taken over the role of goalkeeper coach and will work together with coach Alejandro Dorado and Peter Mponda.
“Yes, he [Simon Gopane] has officially joined the club,” said our sources. “The club wants to improve the goalkeeping department as it was one of the weak points last season.”
Gopane started his new task on Monday this week. Lidoda Duvha have also parted ways with almost all the keepers that were part of the relegated side last season.
As FARPost had earlier reported, Jackson Mabokgwane is trying his luck at Richards Bay. Mabokgwane spent six months at Lidoda and was also captain of the side.
Gambian International Modou Jobe is also unlikely to return to the club after struggling for game time. Former JDR Stars and TTM keeper Bongani Manavhela has also been spotted training with the club. Leopards returned to pre-season training on Monday, 10 July.
NEW LOOK BLACK LEOPARDS SIDE?
The club is yet to unveil what is expected to be a new look side following their relegation.
Some of the players expected to stay is experienced midfielder Wiseman Maluleke, Tsepo Matsimbi, Amukelani Chauke, Denis Chembezi, Ntlakuso Rikhotso and Namibia international Bethuel Muzeu.
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