Kaizer Chiefs seal ties with Botswana side Black Lions

Bobby Motaung, Tendani Sabata, Dillon Sheppard: Picture by Black Lions FC

In a move aimed at bolstering cross-border football development, Botswana Premier League outfit Black Lions FC have entered formal discussions with Kaizer Chiefs over a strategic partnership.

Tendani Sebata, the president of Black Lions was at Naturena where he held talks with Amakhosi officials on Friday. Taking part in the discussions were Chiefs football manager Bobby Motaung and reserve team coach Dillon Sheppard.

Lions confirmed that the meeting narrowed on the two clubs strengthening their relations and sharing notes on football development. Already, Chiefs defender Xolani Cossa on a season-long loan at Lions.

The partnership between the two clubs is touted to open doors for further collaboration in future, as both teams look to align their development structures. Until recently, Black Lions were under the tutelage of former Orlando Pirates coach Owen da Gama who has since been replaced by Serbian tactician Srdjan Zivojinov.

“Black Lions President Tendani Sebata today [Friday] met with Kaizer Chiefs Football Manager Bobby Motaung and the club’s DDC coach, Dillon Sheppard, at Naturena,” Black Lions announced.

“The meeting focused on strengthening relations between the two clubs, exchanging ideas on football development, as well as the loan of top-quality player Xolani Cossa to Black Lions.”

MORE CHIEFS PLAYERS TO BE LOANED OUT TO BLACK LIONS?

Xolani Cossa [L]: Picture by Black Lions FC

Earlier this week, Chiefs’ DStv Diski Challenge defender Bobo Sima was loaned out to Botswana side Mochudi Centre Chiefs for the rest of the season. FARPost understands Chiefs have earmarked eight of their reserve team players for loan moves this January transfer window.

While the Motsepe Foundation Championship is likely to be the destination for most of the players, having some moving to Lions cannot be ruled out. Manqoba ‘Pelembe’ Ozoemena and Ofentse ‘Flash’ Kgosana have already been loaned out to Casric Stars.

Lions are pushing to move up the BPL table where they are currently 10th on the 16-team table. Zivojinov is strengthening his squad during the current transfer window, facing the more demanding second half of the season.