Black leopards head coach Joel Masutha.
By: Refilwe Sebola
Black Leopards are making a strong case for a spot in the Premier Soccer League promotion playoffs under the guidance of new head coach Joel Masutha.
The National First Division side has gone on an impressive five-match unbeaten run, winning four games and drawing one since Masutha took charge.
Masutha’s tenure began with a 2-2 draw against his former club, Baroka FC. Since then, the Leopards have secured vital wins: a 1-0 victory over Venda FC, a commanding 3-0 triumph against Kruger United, a 2-1 win over Highbury, and a narrow 1-0 success over Milford FC. This impressive run has propelled them to third place in the standings with 44 points from 27 matches.
They now trail second-placed Orbit College by just two points, while leaders Durban City are five points ahead on 49 points, with a game in hand against Pretoria Callies. With only three fixtures remaining for most clubs, the race for the top is intensifying.
In the promotion structure, the NFD champions gain automatic promotion, while the second and third-placed teams enter a playoff alongside the 15th-placed PSL side. If Masutha maintains this form, Black Leopards are poised to feature in those crucial playoffs.
Masutha is well-supported by assistant coach Abel Makhubela, who is known for his technical expertise. This weekend, the Leopards face a key test away against fourth-placed Casric Stars at Solomon Mahlangu Stadium. Casric is close behind with 41 points, making it a potentially decisive clash.
A promotion would be a familiar triumph for Masutha, who was part of the team’s first-ever promotion as a player in 2001 and again as an assistant coach in 2011.