The once successful coach, Mr Kostadin Papic, is not in the camp of Black Leopards anymore.
According to the club's spokesperson, Mr Berry Ramunenyiwa, the meeting during which Papic and Leopards agreed to part ways was held on Monday evening. Mr Papic's departure follows a string of poor results.
Leopards dropped points in their last five league matches. As if that was not enough to anger the team's fans, Leopards were booted out of the Nedbank Cup KO by Maritzburg United, who beat them 3-1 in Pietermaritzburg two weeks ago.
Ramunenyiwa revealed that during Monday's meeting Papic stated that although he was happy with the team's overall performance, he was equally concerned by the team's lack of victories. It was also resolved in the meeting that parting ways would do both parties more good than harm.
According to Mr Ramunenyiwa it was not easy for the club to part ways with the Serbian mentor, saying Papic was a close member of the Black Leopards family. "We wish Mr Papic well in his future endeavors," said Mr Ramunenyiwa.
When asked about the way forward, Mr Ramunenyiwa stated that the current assistant coach, Mr Joel "The Prophet" Masutha, would be the caretaker coach for the time being. Masutha will be on the team's technical bench in their game against Milano United at the Blue Downs Stadium in Cape Town this evening (Friday).
Papic confirmed his departure from the club, saying he parted ways with Black Leopards peacefully. He said that he would be in the country for some days before flying to his native country, Serbia. When asked whether he was ready to take a job offer from a local club, he said that he wanted to take a break for some months to decide on his future.
Black Leopards are now lying in the ninth spot with 28 points, accumulated from 22 matches.