Black Leopards’ Mukumela praises Maxwell Konadu’s precision and attention to detail
Black Leopards captain and former Mamelodi Sundowns player Thendo Mukumela has spoken highly of the club’s new coach, Maxwell Konadu, emphasising his commitment to maximising each player’s potential and his focus on doing things right.
The former Asante Kotoko mentor joined Leopards ahead of the 2024/25 Motsepe Foundation Championship season. Konadu, who has previously served as assistant coach for the Black Stars, has been tasked to restore Lidoda Duvha’s fortunes.
Leopards were relegated from the second tier in May 2023, but the family that owns the club refused to take the plunge into the amateur ranks.
In fact, in recent decades, Leopards were relegated four times, in 2008, 2013, 2021 and 2023. In their 12 seasons in the premier division, they only finished in the top eight twice. Instead of regrouping to start working their way back up to the paid professional ranks, they reached into their pockets and bought the status of All Stars.
Konadu has been brought in to plot their return to top-flight football. In his opening two matches, they have won one and drew the other.
Mukumela highlighted Konadu’s emphasis on precision and attention to detail, particularly in building play from the back. As a defender, Mukumela appreciates Konadu’s insistence on starting attacks with accuracy and purpose.
WHAT THENDO MUKUMELA SAID ABOUT MAXWELL KONADU
“Coach Maxwell is doing great to maximise each and everyone’s potential,” Mukumela, formerly with AmaZulu FC, said. “He likes things to be done right; he’s the kind of coach who says if you are doing something, you better do it right.
“He likes starting from the back; he’s a coach who believes in playing [dominating possession]. So every time we start from the back – I’m a defender, I know that a lot. Whenever we start from the back, he tells me, ‘Thendo, if you are going to do it, do it right’.”
The coach’s focus on finishing and the finer points of the game is seen as crucial for the club’s success.
“He’s the kind of coach that likes precision, he likes proper finishing. Everything that he does, he focuses on the little detail. That’s what we need at the club,” Mukumela added.
The former youth international also expressed confidence in the team’s technical staff, led by Konadu and assistant coach Solly Luvhengo. Konadu’s experience at both club and national team levels is seen as a significant asset, and Mukumela believes the team is poised for a strong season.
“With coach Solly, he’s worked with many clubs. He worked in the national team, at the top level. We have a very good technical team, and we are going to do well this season.”
Leopards will be hoping that Konadu’s approach and the team’s renewed focus will propel them back to the top flight, the Betway Premiership.
Mukumela was speaking on the sidelines of the NJM Top 8 Challenge in Rabali, Thohoyandou. Konadu spent the weekend scouting for talent at the tournament, which is the brainchild of businessman Nyambeni Jones Maphalaphathwa, founder and group CEO of NJM Group of Companies.
The event is aimed at providing a platform for budding talent in the Thohoyandou area.
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