After coaching Black Leopards for just one league match, newly appointed head coach Mabhuti Khanyeza said he was optimistic about the team's future. Khanyeza replaced Joel Masutha, whose tenure with Lidoda duvha ended abruptly two weeks ago after a run of poor results.
Speaking after Leopards' 1-0 defeat to Venda Football Club at the Thohoyandou Stadium last Friday, Khanyeza said he remained confident that Leopards could still finish the season among the top three. His long-term target is to challenge for the league title and secure promotion to the elite division.
Khanyeza said he would be satisfied with a promotional playoff spot if winning the league proved out of reach, adding that the team had the quality and commitment to turn their season around.
The task ahead remains challenging. Leopards are third from the bottom of the log, with nine points from 11 matches — 15 behind leaders Milford FC.
The 43-year-old said he was encouraged by how quickly the squad had adapted to his coaching approach. He is satisfied with the players' fitness levels and is now focused on finding a winning combination.
On whether he planned to strengthen the squad during the January transfer window, Khanyeza said he believed the club already had enough quality players.