DHLAKAMA'S REPLACEMENT TURNS TO PRAYERS IN SURVIVAL BATTLE

THE man who succeeded Rodwell Dhlakama as head coach of South African side, Black Leopards, says the club might need prayers to survive relegation from the Motsepe Foundation Championship.

Dhlakama quit the club last month after two wins, four draws and two defeats during his eight games in charge.

He was the fourth coach to either quit or be forced out of the Limpopo team.

Owen Da Gama, who took over from Dhlakama, says they now need prayers to remain in the second-tier league.

Relegation will see them being demoted into the SAFA Amateur League.

Lidoda Duvha are bottom of the log with only eight matches remaining. They are nine points below the safety spot, which is currently occupied by Venda Football Academy.

The club’s two wins in the season came in September against newcomers La Masia and rivals Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila in October.

Since then, the club have gone 16 matches without a win, with eight draws and eight defeats.

“We are trying to work on their finishing every day, but we still don’t convert. We had a problem conceding early goals, but we fixed that,” Da Gama told journalists after the 2-1 loss to Pretoria Callies.

“We are missing too many chances and our opponents only get one chance and score.

“That is why we need to pray, we need to pray so that our fortunes can change. But, we will keep pushing until the end. I am not a person who gives up easily. We need 15 points from the last eight games, and we must get them.

“If we get those 15 points we will survive.”

Da Gama was also not pleased with the match officiating at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Sunday. “Their first goal was very doubtful and also the penalty. Our video person showed us that it was offside. But if the referees are allowing such goals then I don’t know.

“Every match that we are going to win is a must-win for us, we are going with everything we have.”

Leopards last eight matches will be against Magesi, Casric, Baroka, TTM, Hungry Lions, City Rovers, All Stars, and Venda Football Academy. — Sports Reporter/FARPost.