THOHOYANDOU – In a bid to strengthen their technical staff, Black Leopards have acquired the services of the former Witbank Black Aces Football Club goalkeeper, Mr Mahala Maimane. The deal to lure Maimane into the Thohoyandou outfit was finalised early last week.

This was confirmed by the club’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Tshfhiwa Thidiela. According to him, Maimane will work as the goalkeepers’ coach. Apart from Maimane, Black Leopards will, according to Thidiela, sign a number of new players in a few days’ time.

Thidiela revealed that negotiations are at an advanced stage with the seasoned players. He stated that the coach, Mr Shakes Mashaba, has already identified the departments that need to be backed up. “We will make an announcement in connection with that shortly,” he said.

He further indicated that they have a vacancy for an assistant coach. This follows the departure of Mr David Byrne, who had been doing the job during the past season.

Thidiela confirmed that four players who have been trading their skills with them during the past season, Themba Seli, Naughty Mokoena, John Ndou and Japie Motale, will not be with them anymore when the new season starts in August.

Their contracts expired at the end of last season and the coach told the management of the team that it was not necessary for them to renew their contracts, saying they were not in his plans for the new season.