Maxwell Konadu, the club's new coach, has been praised by Black Leopards captain and former Mamelodi Sundowns player Thendo Mukumela for his commitment to maximising each player's potential.
Konadu, who previously served as assistant coach for the Black Stars, has been tasked with restoring Lidoda Duvha's fortunes ahead of the 2024/25 Motsepe Foundation Championship season.
In May 2023, Leopards were relegated from the second tier, but the club's owners refused to become amateurs.
In the past decade, Leopards have been relegated four times, in 2008, 2013, 2021 and 2023. In their 12 seasons in the premier division, they have only finished in the top eight twice. Instead of regrouping to start working their way back up to the paid professional ranks, they bought the status of All Stars by reaching into their pockets.
As of now, they have won one match and drawn the other under Konadu to prepare for their return to top-flight football.
He appreciated Konadu's insistence on starting attacks with accuracy and purpose. Mukumela noted Konadu's attention to detail when building play from the back.
WHAT THENDO MUKUMELA SAID ABOUT MAXWELL KONADU
The coach is doing a great job in maximising each player's potential,” Mukumela said. “He is the kind of coach who believes if you are doing something, you better do it right.
Whenever we start from the back - I'm a defender, I know that a lot. Every time we start from the back, he tells me, "If you're going to do it, do it right."
The coach's emphasis on finishing and the finer points of the game is crucial to the club's success.
Whenever he works, he focuses on the little details. That's the type of coach we need at the club," Mukumela said.
Konadu and assistant coach Solly Luvhengo, both of whom are former youth internationals, were also praised by the former youth international. Mukumela believes the team is poised for a successful season because of Konadu's experience at club and national team levels.
Coach Solly has worked with many clubs and the national team. We have a very good technical team, and we'll do well this season."
Hopefully Konadu's approach and the team's renewed focus will propel Leopards back to the Betway Premiership.
On the sidelines of the NJM Top 8 Challenge in Rabali, Thohoyandou, Konadu spent the weekend scouting for talent at the tournament, which is the brainchild of businessman Nyambeni Jones Maphalaphathwa.
