Ntuthuko Maphumulo
Black Leopards will be looking to improve on their fourth position in the log when they meet reigning Premier Soccer League champions Orlando Pirates on Sunday.
Some promoted teams found the going tough in the top flight and soon returned to the lower divisions, but the Leopards seem to be up to the task. Gavin Hunt gave up life in Cape Town and coaching other established teams to take charge of a side that had clinched the first division without much fanfare. He does not need to regret that decision.
Black Leopards drew 1-1 with Santos on Wednesday night, leaving them tied for second place with Santos and Manning Rangers behind high-flying Swallows. Leopards have played 14 games, securing six wins, five draws and two losses.
But come Sunday they must avoid making the sort of errors that cost them two own-goals against Kaizer Chiefs after outclassing the Phefeni Glamour Boys. The likes of Coxwell Ratshivhadelo and Christopher Netshidzivhe will be expected to steer the Leopards to victory against Pirates.
They face a Buccaneers ship that seems to have reached calmer waters after a tempestuous start to the season.
New coach Jean-Yves Kerjean has managed to blend in the youngsters with the established players as Pirates attempt to defend their league title.
The development of Lesley “Slow Poison” Manyathela as a regular striker has made the coach happy after proving on numerous occasions that he can score and is first-team material.
The other rising stars Joseph “Duku Duku” Makhanya, Mbulelo “Old John” Mabizela, Andile Cele and Bennedict Vilakazi are all former under-20 players who have proved to be great assets for the future of Pirates.