THOHOYANDOU – The suspension of the three Black Leopards Football Club players, Nkhiphitheni Matombo, Richard Lishivha and Walter Khumalo, is now something of the past. The trio were suspended following allegations that they had contributed towards their team’s 3-4 defeat at the hands of Dynamos three weeks ago.

What made the management of the team very angry was the fact that Black Leopards were at one stage leading with three goals against nothing before they finally lost 3-4. The management of the team concluded that their right back, Nkhiphitheni Matombo, goalkeeper Walter Khumalo and Lishivha, who came on as a substitute in that game, were the reason for their incredible defeat.

They were suspended from taking part in the team’s activities with immediate effect, pending investigations of alleged lack of commitment in that game. Khumalo’s suspension was lifted a week thereafter, while Matombo and Lishivha remained suspended until last Thursday.

Khumalo was guarding the poles when Black Leopards suffered a 0-1 defeat at the hands of Orlando Pirates at the Johannesburg Stadium two weeks ago. Matombo and Lishivha resumed training with the team last Thursday. According to the club’s website, the suspensions were lifted after an internal investigation proved that there was not enough evidence to substantiate the charges laid against them.

Although Lishivha’s suspension has been lifted, he will not play for Black Leopards until the end of the season. According to the website, the former Kaizer Chiefs striker has been transferred to a Mvela Golden League team, Free State Stars, on a loan basis.