THOHOYANDOU – To prove that they really mean it when they say they have embarked on a reconstruction and development programme, Black Leopards Football Club have dumped seven of their regular players.

According to the team’s managing director, Mr David Thidiela, they want to avoid a situation which is similar to that of last season where their future was determined by the results for their final league match. Black Leopards’ future in the Castle Premiership League was still uncertain until they played their final league match against Moroka Swallows at the Rand Stadium. They drew 1-1 and ended their league programme on the third position from the bottom of the log.

The last two teams on the log, Wits University and Manning Rangers had been relegated to the Mvela Golden League.

The players who had been released are goalkeeper, Walter Khumalo, defenders Nkhiphitheni Matombo, Peter Matshite, David Solopi and Bongani Masangane, Mpho Magidi (midfielder) and a striker, Richard Lishivha. Asked how they intend replacing the dumped players, Thidiela stated that the search is on for world-class players.

“We are not going to sign players for the sake of adding to the number of our registered players on the list, but we are going for quality and not quantity,” he said. Although Thidiela was reluctant to confirm this, sources close to the club revealed that five foreign players will land in the country in a few days time to try their luck with the Thohoyandou outfit.

The five players are said to be national team material for their respective countries. Leopards are currently conducting trials throughout the region with a view to scout new talent. The team will resume with its normal training on Wednesday, June 22.