To demonstrate Black Leopard’s commitment to gaining  promotion to the elite league by the end of the season, the team has strengthened its striking force by acquiring the services of Ivorian striker Jean Jaures Aimé Aurlus Golly. Golly joined his teammates for the first time during the team’s training session in Polokwane last Monday.

According to the club’s chairman, Mr Tshifhiwa Thidiela, the 25-year-old goal poacher is expected to address the team’s scoring problems. Thidiela revealed that they had had to leave Golly behind when the team travelled to Thohoyandou for their league fixture against Venda Football Club last Saturday because his work permit had not yet been finalised. He mentioned that the striker was likely to make his debut appearance in the team’s starting lineup in their next match against Marumo Gallants FC at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Saturday, 25 November. Thidiela added that they were working diligently to ensure that Golly’s work permit would be available before their next fixture.

When asked if Golly was their last recruit for the season, Mr Thidiela said that the question was difficult for him to answer as they relied on recommendations from the technical staff at a particular time. He stated that Golly’s signing was based on the recommendations from the team’s coaching personnel. Golly was playing for the Gabon Premier League club, Stade Mandji FC, when Black Leopards offered him a lucrative employment contract two weeks ago.

According to Mr Thidiela, Golly’s employment contract will expire at the end of the current soccer season. He mentioned that the contract could be extended, depending on the player’s work rate during his stay at the club over the next eight months. Currently, Black Leopards are in the 12^th position on the log with 14 points. Lidoda duvha have managed to score seven goals and conceded 13 in the 12 games they have played to date.