David Bright has resigned as coach of Black Leopards after just nine matches into the National First Division season.

Bright was suspended last week after he voiced his frustration at the interference in his job, following a 3-2 defeat to rookies Mbombela United.

He was not on the bench for Lidoda Duvha's 1-0 defeat to AmaZulu at the weekend at Princess Magogo Stadium, and yesterday it was announced the parties had parted "amicably". Former Polokwane City coach Kosta Papic is the target for Lidoda Duvha, according to a source.

In the meantime, Bright's assistant Joel Masutha will coach the team.

Masutha was on the bench when Lidoda Duvha played Highlands Park at Thohoyandou Stadium yesterday.

"Yes, the coach has resigned. I think due to the situation that prevailed, the coach also felt we should part amicably," Leopards' spokesman Berry Ramunenyiwa said yesterday. "His resignation has been accepted and we wish him well for the future. I don't think there was a bad relationship between the parties."

He added: "We just heard the rumours [about Papic] but we have not heard anything from the board."

Bright is said to have been forced into resigning by Leopards' management, but Ramunenyiwa would not comment on that. "Whichever way they arrived at the decision, it's something we would not want to comment on."

Bright, a former Santos and Bay United coach, was not available for comment yesterday.