The chairman of Black Leopards, Mr David Thidiela, is a worried man.

The reasons for his discomfort relate to the team’s poor performance in their recent league matches. In an interview he said that one of the reasons for the poor performances is the low level of fitness of the players.

He was reacting to the team’s unimpressive performance in their last five matches, of which they lost four and drew one. He cited the injuries of three of their top strikers, Maboke Matlakala, Sanele Mkhize and Ivan Mahangwahaya, as some of the factors that contributed to the team’s downfall. He further stated that the team did have adequate off-season preparations.

He empasised the fitness level of the team and said the team usually plays good football in the first half but loses cohesion with time. He revealed that all the players who were injured will be available for selection in their match against FC Cape Town at the Thohoyandou Stadium tomorrow afternoon.

He appealed to the team’s supporters not to throw in the towel, saying the season was still very long. He confirmed that they had signed a skillful local player, Thivha Ndou, from Maranzhe Hungry Lions.

Apart from tomorrow’s league match against FC Cape Town, Black Leopards will host Witbank Spurs at the same venue in their Nedbank Cup preliminary-round match next Wednesday afternoon. The draw for the competition was held at the league’s offices on Tuesday afternoon.

The full Nedbank Cup preliminary round fixtures are: FC Cape Town vs Baroka (NNK Rugby Stadium), Black Leopards vs Witbank Spurs (Thohoyandou), Lamontville Golden Arrows vs Milano United (Chatsworth Stadium), Thanda Royal Zulu vs Santos (Umhlathuze Sports Complex), African Warriors vs Garankuwa United, Maluti FET College vs Royal Eagles, Highlandspark vs Vasco da Gama and Jomo Cosmos vs Cape Town All Stars.