Black Leopards has retained Coach Joel Masutha as their head coach in the new season

By: Refilwe Sebola

Black Leopards, a proud Limpopo-based team in the National First Division (NFD), have made significant strategic moves in preparation for the upcoming season. They have confirmed the retention of head coach Joel Masutha and promoted Abel Makhubele to the role of team manager.

Masutha, who joined the club midway through last season, made an impressive impact, leading the Leopards to narrowly miss out on a place in the PSL promotional playoffs. His disciplined and attacking style reignited belief among both players and fans, earning him another season at the helm.

Having shown what he could achieve in a limited timeframe last season, Masutha is expected to take the team even further this year with a full pre-season under his belt.

In a complementary move, former assistant coach Abel Makhubele has been promoted to Team Manager, reflecting his deep knowledge of football and impressive credentials. Makhubele is one of the most qualified coaches in the country, holding a CAF A License, a German B License, and several other elite coaching qualifications. His understanding of both the technical and administrative aspects of the game makes him the ideal candidate for this role.

Despite his promotion, Makhubele will remain actively involved in the technical team, providing valuable insights and supporting the transition as the club prepares for what could be a defining season.

The off-season has already commenced in earnest at the Thohoyandou-based club, which made headlines with the appointment of Zambian forward Mwape Musonda as a player-assistant coach. Musonda, a former PSL Golden Boot winner, brings leadership and experience to the squad and is expected to play a crucial role both on and off the field.

With a blend of experience in the technical team and the tactical acumen of Masutha, the Leopards are positioning themselves as a formidable force in the 2025/26 NFD campaign. Their late surge last season, despite facing challenging circumstances, showcased the team’s potential. With stability now established, expectations are high.

Leopards are not just building a team to compete; they are aiming to win promotion. Given their momentum from last season and the leadership in place, they are certainly one of the top four teams to watch.

The roar of the Leopards is growing louder, and with continuity, ambition, and strong leadership, a return to top-flight football may be on the horizon.

Abel Makhubele has been promoted to club manager

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