Black Leopards' owner, Mr David "Tshifhe" Thidiela, strongly denied rumours earlier this week that he was about to buy the status of another first-division or premier-league team. He said that if his team were relegated, they would have to work their way to the top again, without taking shortcuts.
But his words are being taken with more than a pinch of salt by soccer pundits. Many experts believe that negotiations to acquire another status are at an advanced stage, and that for the announcement to be made is just a matter of time.
The Thohoyandou-based Black Leopards team have had a horrendous season, ending last on the log in the National First Division (Motsepe Foundation Championship). This once prestigious team are about to join their Limpopo counterparts, TTM, in being relegated to the third-tier ABC Motsepe League. This will also mean that Lidoda Duvha, as the club is affectionately known, are moving to the ranks of the amateur sides.
Last week, rumours started spreading that Mr Thidiela had concluded an agreement to buy another status. Initially the name of TS Galaxy, a premier-league side was mentioned. This was followed by rumours that he was about to buy Cape Town All Stars' status. All Stars ended fourth on the Motsepe Foundation Championship log, narrowly missing out on a chance to move to the higher division.
During an interview on Tuesday, however, Thidiela was adamant that these were all just rumours. "I'm not going to buy someone else's status," he said. "I don't have a problem with people who are always speculating. Do that, but I'm not going to do it. If I'm relegated, I'm going to play in the ABC Motsepe League."
Thidiela said that Lidoda duvha would simply have to work their way up again, instead of taking shortcuts. "In football, you must be patient," he said.