Black Leopards will be without two of their key players, Jabulani Maluleke and Thabo Mongalo, when the activities of the new season start in two months’ time. The duo has joined the Absa Premiership League champions, Supersport United.

Maluleke, who joined Lidoda duvha from an amateur side four years ago, was not only a regular player for the Thohoyandou outfit, but the team’s captain. According to Maluleke, he has entered into a three-year contract with the Pretoria side. Maluleke was quick to mention that his move to the elite league side will make things easier for him to achieve his set goals.

According to him, his dream is to see himself playing for the national team, Bafana Bafana. “In Supersport, I will get enough exposure and hopefully I will get a call-up to the national team very soon,” he said.

Unlike Maluleke, whose relationship with Superport United is set to last for three years, Mongalo has signed a two-year contract. Mongalo was promoted to the senior team from the Black Leopards’ development side, Phungo All Stars, early last season.

He joined Phungo All Stars from Matika Football Club two years ago. Mongalo said that joining the Absa Premiership side is a dream come true to him, saying he will ensure that the Supersport coach, Gavin Hunt, does not regret recommending him.

In an interview with Supersport’s coach, Mr Gavin Hunt, he indicated that with the two new recruits in their camp, nothing will stop them from winning the league championship for the third time in a row.

The managing director of Leopards, Mr David Thidiela, confirmed the transactions. According to him, their aim is to reduce the squad to a manageable size, saying they had 28 players last season. He reiterated that they want to keep a maximum of 23 players. He stated that they would soon start with the preparations for the season.