Black Leopards have reasons to give their newly appointed coach, Mr Boebie Solomons, an accolade. The Thohoyandou outfit was languishing somewhere in the relegation zone when Solomons joined them as the team’s technical advisor three months ago.

His first match with Black Leopards was against his former side, Bidvest Wits University, whom they narrowly beat 1-0 at the Thohoyandou Stadium. As if that was not good enough, Lidoda Duvha rose to the occasion and beat Kaizer Chiefs 2-0.

Solomons’ third match was against Supersport United whom they beat 1-0 at the Loftus Stadium in Pretoria. His fourth victory was against Amazulu, who were crushed 2-1 at the Thohoyandou Stadium. Leopards’ only two draws under the watchful eye of Solomons were against Bloemfontein Celtic and Santos, whom they held to a 2-2 draw last weekend.

This leaves Solomons with a clean slate in as far as losing a league match is concerned. It was probably his track record with the pride of Thohoyandou that tempted the managing director of the team, Mr David Thidiela, to offer Solomons a five-year contract.

Black Leopards finished their league programme in the 11th spot with 37 points. Mamelodi Sundowns are the league champions. Silver Stars, who are under the guidance of Owen da Gama, shocked everyone by finishing their league programme in the second spot.

It was the last season for Maritzburg United in the elite league as they have been relegated to the Mvela Golden League. The second last team, Amazulu, will join the other three teams from the Mvela Golden League in the platinum play-offs to determine the team that will campaign in the Castle Premiership League next season.

Teams that will battle it out in the Mvela Platinum play-offs are Amazulu, Winnerspark, City Pillars and University of Pretoria. The first matches will be played next weekend, June 2 and 3.