adminBruce Chikuni
BLACK Leopards chairman, David Thidiela, has said he would have loved Rodwell Dhlakama to continue as head coach, but he had to leave.
The Limpopo side anchors South Africa’s second-tier division, the Patrice Mostepe Foundation League table with 13 points from 17 games.
Dhlakama becomes the fourth coach to part ways with the club this season.
He took charge of eight games and managed four draws, two wins and two defeats.
Thidiela told H-Metro that Dhlakama was the ideal man to get the team out of the mud.
“Dhlakama is no longer with us; he sent me his resignation letter which I rejected twice,” said Thidiela.
David Thidiela
“We were playing better football than many teams in South Africa, but the boys were just unlucky in the offensive unit.
“I’m still pained that Dhlakama decided to leave the club. He has his own views and coaches like him are hard to find.
“I even offered him the chance to stay while we look for another coach, but he insisted on leaving.
“I told him that Leopards remain his home and he will be forever welcome. I never had a problem with him; he was a good man on and off the field and it’s very sad to lose a person of his calibre.”
Dhlakama defended his decision to quit, saying the club was unrealistic in its targets.
“I really wanted to continue with them, but you have to be honest with yourself because with where the team is on the table, there was no chance of us winning the championship,” said Dhlakama.
“But they were adamant that their vision was attainable and I felt like the burden was unnecessary because I told them that I can only stay if they want to survive relegation.
“I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to coach this great club and I hope to return one day, God willing,” said Dhlakama.
Online Reporter