National First Division club, Black Leopards, have confirmed that coach, Kostadin Papic, will not be their coach next season after he joined the PSL returnees, Chippa United.
As per the Siya crew's report yesterday (Wednesday), the former Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates mentor joined the Chilli Boys after their deal with Maritzburg United coach, Steve Komphela, reportedly hit a snag.
The Maritzburg United head coach was said to have already signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the Chilli Boys, but there seemed to be a glitch with regards to his exit at the Team of Choice.
However, the Philippi-based club is expected to make an official announcement, and the crew understands he will be unveiled next week.
Lidoda Duvha also issued a statement on their official website confirming that the Serbian mentor will no longer be with the club.
“We hereby announce that Mr. Kosta Papic will no longer be head coach of the Technical Team at Black Leopards with immediate effect. Papic has served the team extremely well in his time here. He was a coach, a mentor, a role model and friend to all players , they will certainly miss him dearly."
“We wish Papic all of the best going forward. The club has already begun the search for a new coach, and will make an announcement in due course. Lidoda Duvha would also like to take this moment to thank our primary stakeholders, the fans for all their continued, unconditional support,” read the statement.
Papic was in charge of the Thohoyandou-based club in the NFD last season, but missed out on promotion to the elite league by a whisker. He will now relish the challenge of returning to the PSL.
