THE 2014-2015 National First Division season gets under way today with Black Leopards boss David Thidiela predicting they will finally return to the Absa Premiership.
Leopards came close to gaining promotion last season but were defeated by Polokwane City in the final of the promotional play-offs.
But this time Thidiela is confident they will gain automatic promotion with Sean Connor, their new coach from Ireland, in the driving seat. Leopards start their campaign with a home match against Golden Arrows at the revamped Thohoyandou Stadium tomorrow.
Connor was recruited from Zimbabwe giants Dynamos last month following the departure of Serbian Kosta Papic, who has since joined Chippa United.
"Sean has been given a mandate to win the league. The team does not belong in the NFD," said Thidiela yesterday. "I have made all the resources the technical staff needed available, I'm confident the squad we have assembled will do well.
"It's stronger than the one we had last season."
Leopards will be relying on deadly striker Edgar Manaka to spearhead their attack this season after David Zulu left with Papic to join United.
On the other hand, Arrows are a bit thin after they lost a host of experienced players like Joseph Musonda, Philani Shange, Mzivukile Tom and Siyanda Zwane after they were relegated.
Arrows boss Mato Madlala has retained former Bafana Bafana striker Shaun Bartlett as coach.
In another match tomorrow, Jomo Cosmos, who welcomed new sponsors Sunwa River Lodge this week, will be away to newly promoted Highlands Park at Makhulong Stadium.
New players signed by Cosmos boss and coach Jomo Sono include Lynch Pule, Adegbite Akanni, Ralph Matema, Wiseman Maluleke and Thabo Ralebakeng.
NFD Fixtures
Tonight: Milano United vs African Warriors, Phillipi Stadium, 7.30pm; Royal Eagles vs Baroka, Moses Mabhida Stadium, 7.30pm; Cape Town All Stars vs Garankuwa United, Athlone Stadium, 7.30pm
Tomorrow (all 3pm); Leopards vs Arrows, Thohoyandou; FC Cape Town vs Santos, NNK Rugby Stadium; Thanda Royal Zulu vs Witbank Spurs, Umhlathuze Sports Complex; Maluti FET College vs Vasco Da Gama, Charles Mopeli Stadium; Highlands Park vs Jomo Cosmos, Makhulong Stadium
Black Leopards boss has high hopes
THE 2014-2015 National First Division season gets under way today with Black Leopards boss David Thidiela predicting they will finally return to the Absa Premiership.
Leopards came close to gaining promotion last season but were defeated by Polokwane City in the final of the promotional play-offs.
But this time Thidiela is confident they will gain automatic promotion with Sean Connor, their new coach from Ireland, in the driving seat. Leopards start their campaign with a home match against Golden Arrows at the revamped Thohoyandou Stadium tomorrow.
Connor was recruited from Zimbabwe giants Dynamos last month following the departure of Serbian Kosta Papic, who has since joined Chippa United.
"Sean has been given a mandate to win the league. The team does not belong in the NFD," said Thidiela yesterday. "I have made all the resources the technical staff needed available, I'm confident the squad we have assembled will do well.
"It's stronger than the one we had last season."
Leopards will be relying on deadly striker Edgar Manaka to spearhead their attack this season after David Zulu left with Papic to join United.
On the other hand, Arrows are a bit thin after they lost a host of experienced players like Joseph Musonda, Philani Shange, Mzivukile Tom and Siyanda Zwane after they were relegated.
Arrows boss Mato Madlala has retained former Bafana Bafana striker Shaun Bartlett as coach.
In another match tomorrow, Jomo Cosmos, who welcomed new sponsors Sunwa River Lodge this week, will be away to newly promoted Highlands Park at Makhulong Stadium.
New players signed by Cosmos boss and coach Jomo Sono include Lynch Pule, Adegbite Akanni, Ralph Matema, Wiseman Maluleke and Thabo Ralebakeng.
NFD Fixtures
Tonight: Milano United vs African Warriors, Phillipi Stadium, 7.30pm; Royal Eagles vs Baroka, Moses Mabhida Stadium, 7.30pm; Cape Town All Stars vs Garankuwa United, Athlone Stadium, 7.30pm
Tomorrow (all 3pm); Leopards vs Arrows, Thohoyandou; FC Cape Town vs Santos, NNK Rugby Stadium; Thanda Royal Zulu vs Witbank Spurs, Umhlathuze Sports Complex; Maluti FET College vs Vasco Da Gama, Charles Mopeli Stadium; Highlands Park vs Jomo Cosmos, Makhulong Stadium
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