Black Leopards continued to demonstrate that they are serious about escaping relegation at the end of the season when they acquired the services of the former Orlando Pirates defender, Zvenyika Makonese, last Friday.

According to the Leopards’ general manager, Mr Samuel Khaphathe, the Zimbabwean marksman had lengthy trials at Lidoda Duvha towards the end of last year.

Khaphathe revealed that the former Zimbabwean international will play for Leopards for the whole season. The 34-year-old Makonese was lured from his Zimbabwean side, Shabanie Mine FC, by Santos FC in 2004. He was a regular player for Santos four seasons before moving to Orlando Pirates. Things did not work out for him in the Pirates’ camp as he managed to make only 18 starts in two-and-a-half seasons. He was released at the end of last season.

He returned to his former Zimbabwean side, Shabani Mine FC, from where he was lured by the Leopards’ coach, Mr Vladislav Heric, towards the end of last season. Makonese’s last appearance for the Zimbabwean national team was when his side lost 0-3 to Brazil in March 2010.

Leopards signed another experienced defender in Siphiwe Mkhonza last month in a bid to solve their defending problems.

The Polokwane-based side has conceded more goals than any other team this season, namely 31 in 15 Absa Premiership matches. Mr Khaphathe told Limpopo Mirror that they were assessing a number of players, some of whom could be signed before the registering window period closes next Tuesday, January 31.