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28 January 2020
Black Leopards could have a new coach in charge by the time they take on North West University in the Last 32 of the Nedbank Cup at the Thohoyandou Stadium on February 9. The club have confirmed that have put current boss Cavin Johnson on suspension after a draw and four defeats in the five games he has taken charge of since his arrival at the end of December. The team will instead be led in the interim by Johnson’s assistant Allan Clarke, who is filling the head coach role for the first time.
It seems likely that Leopards owner David Thidiela will fill the roe with a more experienced coach on a full-time basis, if he does indeed decide to part ways with Johnson. And that could mean a debut for the new tactician against the university ABC Motsepe League side as Lidoda Duvha seek what could be a morale-boosting victory that reignites their flagging season. Clark will be the fourth coach for Lidoda Duvha this season after Frenchman Lionel Soccoia and the Belgian Luc Eymael. The latter led Free State Stars to the 2018 Nedbank Cup title, but left Leopards in December to join Young Africans in Tanzania.
Leopards have a rich history in the Nedbank Cup having been finalists in 2011 while still campaigning in the National First Division. They took the lead in that match but ultimately lost 3-1 to Orlando Pirates. They also reached the semifinals in 2009, losing to eventual winners Moroka Swallows, and have made it past the Last 32 in eight of their last 10 appearances. Their only first round defeats were to Kaizer Chiefs (2014) and Maritzburg United (2016), while they have never lost to a team from a division below them in the Nedbank Cup.
*The views represented are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent those of Nedbank.