Black Leopards recently parted ways with Coach Ian Palmer, after he had guided the team for about three months.

Leopards’ spokesperson, Mr Tendani Thidiela, confirmed Palmer’s departure. According to him, Palmer’s contract with the club was terminated on New Year’s Day, due to what was termed as ‘irreconcilable differences’. Prior to his exit, Palmer was suspended, with the club investigating allegations of the mistreatment of players.

Palmer’s former assistant, Mr Abel Makhubela, has been appointed as caretaker-coach. Makhubela has been with the team for years and has served as assistant to Messrs Vladislav Heric and Sunday Chidzambwa and lately to Palmer.

Makhubela took charge of Lidoda Duvha’s final game in 2012, a 1-1 draw with Telkom Knockout champions Bloemfontein Celtic in December. Thidiela has confirmed that Makhubela has been elevated to head coach of the club for the rest of the season.

The former Safa coaching instructor is no stranger to Lidoda Duvha’s hot seat. He was in charge when Leopards beat the Zimbabwean giants, Motor Action, 3-1 in a CAF Confederations Cup match last year. Makhubela was in Germany in May 2012 to improve his coaching skills and Lidoda Duvha supporters will hope the knowledge he gained in Frankfurt will help him guide the club to top honours.

Thidiela also confirmed that Makhubela will be assisted by club’s goalkeeper coach, Edward Ansah.

Of his eight matches in charge, Palmer won two, lost four and shared the spoils in two matches, leaving the club sitting in the 12th spot on the log, with 17points from 16 matches. Makhubela’s first assignment will be a home fixture against Bidvest Wits on 13 February at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.