The former coach of Baroka FC, Mr Sello Chokoe, is the new head coach of Black Leopards.

Leopards’ spokesperson, Mr Berry Ramunenyiwa, revealed this on Monday.  Chokoe’s appointment follows the departure of Mr Kostadin Papic last week. The Serbian mentor tendered his resignation on Monday last week, two days after his team drew 1-1 with Moroka Swallows in their National First Division League match at the Thohoyandou Stadium.

Ramunenyiwa confirmed that Chokoe will guide Lidoda Duvha until the end of the season. He stated that the management would decide at the end of the season whether they would extend their relationship with Chokoe, depending on how he will have performed during his stay with the Thohoyandou side. Ramunenyiwa further said that the current assistant coach, Mr Joel Masutha, would continue to serve under Chokoe.

Chokoe’s history as football coach speaks volumes. He guided Baroka FC to promotion from the ABC Motsepe League, or the Vodacom Promotional League as it was formerly known, to the National First Division.  Baroka were under the guidance of Chokoe when they booted the Absa Premiership giants, Kaizer Chiefs, out of the Nedbank Cup five years ago.

Chokoe confirmed that he has entered into an agreement that will last until the end of the season with Lidoda Duvha.  Chokoe’s first assignment with the team will be against African Warriors at the Thohoyandou Stadium on 9 April. Leopards are at present ninth in the NFD standings.