Black Leopards have appointed former striker Mabhuti Khenyeza as their new head coach, replacing Joel Masuṱha. The 43-year-old joins the club after parting ways with ABC Motsepe League side Komani United in the Eastern Cape, officially beginning his tenure on Tuesday, 11 November.
Khenyeza takes over a Leopards side that has endured a difficult start to their Motsepe Foundation Championship campaign. The club has been hit by a transfer ban, which has limited squad depth and forced makeshift changes, including captain and defender Thendo Mukumela stepping in as goalkeeper in the first four matches of the season. After 10 games, Leopards sit 14th on the log with nine points, having recorded two wins, three draws, and five losses. Their latest defeat, a 1–0 loss to Cape Town City FC, proved to be Masuṱha’s last match in charge.
Speaking to FARPost, Khenyeza said he didn’t hesitate when approached by Leopards.
“Leopards are a big team. Sometimes when you see them at a place where they don’t belong, you feel you need to help somehow,” he said. “Whatever we have achieved in football, Leopards played a big role because we were competing with them. So whenever you have an opportunity to help and impart your knowledge, it’s easier to come and assist.”
Khenyeza added that Leopards’ history and reputation made the decision easier.
“If it were another team, I would have hesitated. But because it’s a club like Leopards, it’s easier to come and give yourself an opportunity to work,” he said. “We still have 20 games to play. We can’t dwell on relegation, we’re not even halfway through the season. It’s important to take care of one game at a time so we can move up from where we are.”
Khenyeza will be assisted by team manager Abel Makhubela, with Simon Gopane handling goalkeeping duties. His first assignment will be a crucial Vhembe Derby against Venḓa Football Club at Ṱhohoyanḓou Stadium on Friday, 21 November, a match that could set the tone for the club’s fight to climb away from the relegation zone.