The new Black Leopards technical team is expected to start work on Monday 24 June 2019.

Chairman David Thidiela announced Lionel Soccoa as the side’s new head coach on Wednesday night on SABC’s Phalaphala FM sports show Zwamitambo hosted by with Big-T Muavha.

Soccoa is from France and comes with experience of coaching in different leagues across Africa. The coach replaces Dylan Kerr who resigned last month.

Thidiela also announced former Kaizer Chiefs player and assistant coach Patrick Mabedi as Leopards’’ first assistant coach. The club boss is happy to have qualified people associated with the club.

Morgan Shivambu stays on at Lidoda Duvha as a second assistant coach. As far as the playing personnel is concerned Thidiela confirmed the arrivals of former SuperSport United midfielder Thuso Phala and Mogakolodi Ngele from  Mamelodi Sundowns.

The chairman says the club is still busy in the market and will make further announcements in due course.

Thidiela would also not reveal the names of the players set to leave Leopards.

Unconfirmed reports suggest that midfielders Lehlohonolo Masalesa and Eden Nene along with defender and former captain Jean Munganga have been released by the club. – Report by Lethabo Kganyago