MTNFootball

Siphiwe Mkhonza

Black Leopards media and communications manager Tendani Thidiela says the experienced players they have brought into the club will bring balance to the squad.

Lidoda Duvha regained promotion from the National First Division ahead of the current season but have found the going tough in the elite league where they are currently second from the bottom on the table.

However, Thidiela believes they will be able to compete when the league resumes after strengthening the core of their squad.

“We are quite happy with the acquisitions we’ve made during the transfer window. At times we were found wanting in defence and we hope the experience that comes with players like Siphiwe Mkhonza and Zvenyika Makonese will help stabilise the team,” said Thidiela.

“And we also signed Itumeleng Duiker and Sphamandla Sithole for that extra bite in the midfield. We’ve always had talented players but having a balanced squad is important and we believe we’re on the right path.”

Although Leopards were keen on signing another striker, Thidiela says they are happy with their current striking force but looking to make the best of their scoring chances in the future.

“We were hoping to sign a good ‘number 9’ striker but we were unable to find someone in time,” he said.

“However, we’re happy with what we have right now. Rodney Ramagalela, Kingston Nkhatha and Joseph Obaje are all good players but we really need to convert the chances that we create.”

Leopards will resume their league campaign against Orlando Pirates on February 15 before facing Zimbabwean side Motor Action in the CAF Confederations Cup on February 18.