The relationship between Black Leopards and their coach, Joel "Prophet" Masutha, is now a thing of the past. Masutha resigned after his team lost 1-0 to Cape Town City at Thohoyandou Stadium on Saturday.
News of Masutha's resignation spread quickly after he failed to arrive for training on Monday.
Leopards started the season amid confusion over a FIFA ban, which prevented the club from registering new players. As a result, they were unable to field the required number of under-23 players and had to play their first match with only 10 players, using captain and defender Thendo Mukumela as goalkeeper.
So far, Leopards have recorded two wins, three draws and five defeats.
They are set to play a Vhembe derby against rivals Venda Football Club on 21 November after the FIFA international break.
The club's president, David "Tshifhe" Thidiela, confirmed Masutha's resignation. He said the club had appointed former Golden Arrows coach Mabhuti Khanyedza as head coach, with Abel Makhubela as his assistant.
Thidiela acknowledged that Masutha was a capable coach and said it had not been easy to part ways with him.
Masutha said that after the team's loss in Cape Town, he felt it was time to make way for someone who could bring new ideas. "I did everything within my power," he said. He admitted that it had not been easy to reach the decision to resign.
"I discussed the matter with the club's management and wished them good luck in their remaining matches," he said, adding that he did not want to waste the club's time or money.