ADVERTISEMENT:
Sport - Date: 15 July 2011
The relationship between Black Leopards and their team’s assistant coach, Mr Joel Masutha, is part of history. Masutha’s two-year contract with Lidoda Duvha expired at the end of last month.
Masutha told Limpopo Mirror that the general manager of the team, Mr Samuel Khaphathe, summoned him to a meeting towards the end of last month. That was where he was told in clear terms that his contract would not be renewed.
When approached for comment, the club’s brand manager, Tshifhiwa Thidiela, confirmed the move. He said that they had nothing against Masutha, except that he was not in the plans of head coach Mr Sunday Chidzambwa for the new season.
When asked who the new assistant coach will be, Thidiela said that the head coach would decide on the person he would like to work with. Unlike many coaches who remain jobless for months or even years after their contracts with their employers had expired, Masutha’s situation is different. According to him, he was approached by the National First Division side, African Warriors, after hearing the news that he had parted ways with Leopards. On arrival in the Free State Province, Masutha was offered a one-year contract by the club.
At least he wont feel lonely, despite the fact that he will be working far away from home. He will be assistant to Mr Vladislav Heric, the man he worked with for two seasons at Black Leopards. Masutha revealed that he had joined his former colleague at the team’s training session on Monday this week. He indicated that his heart was still with Black Leopards, saying nothing would stop him from coming back home if he was recalled.
Masutha joined the team in 1994 as goalkeeper, before he was roped in by the coaching desk early in 2004. He said sometimes loyalty in football does not work. "I had a great time as a player and assistant coach at Leopards. I wish Leopards the best of luck in the future. When I received the letter of their not renewing my contract, I sent a message to the chairperson of the team, David Thidiela, begging him to let me stay with the team,” said Masutha.
Frank is a Human Resources Manager at the Department of Public Works in Limpopo. He is the longest serving correspondent of the Mirror, having joined us at the end of 1990. He mainly writes sports reports and resides at Tsianda Village. In 2004, Frank won the National Castle League Award, an award for the best reporter in the SAB league in South Africa.
Search for a story:
ADVERTISEMENT
Following the success of the opening matches played at the Khubvi Benjie’s Grounds last Sunday, it will be another busy weekend for the teams affiliated with the ABC Foundation Soccer Tournament. Four matches will be played at the Khubvi Benjie’s Grounds on Saturday, with the same number of matches scheduled for Sunday.
Sinthumulekutama Ladies FC and Real Mighty Girls played to a 1-1 draw in a crucial SAFA Limpopo Sasol Women’s League match at Ramantsha on Saturday.
After suffering a 0-2 defeat to Milford FC in their opening Motsepe Foundation Championship League match at Thohoyandou Stadium last Saturday, Venda Football Club (VFC) are now on their way to Cape Town, where they will face Cape Town Spurs at Athlone Stadium on Friday evening.
’n Fees van rugby is op die spyskaart met die halfeindstryd van die provinsiale rugbyliga wat eerskomende Saterdag, 31 Augustus, by die Louis Trichardt Rugbyklub beslis sal word.