THE LIDODA DUVHA STORY
The club was established in 1983 through the initiatives of various business people of Venda. The club is based in the far north of the Limpopo province in Thohoyandou.
In 1998 it was taken over by the Thidiela family. After just two seasons of campaigning in the first division Blackleopards was promoted to the elite premiere league.
The campaign in the premiere division started during the 2001/2002 season and the performance was phenomenal. Blackleopards eclipsed the usual well-known giants of South African football. by mid-season recess, the club was at position 2, a superb performance by any standard for a new team in the elite league.
While other clubs where fighting to avoid relegation to the first division at the end of the season, Blackleopards was well placed within the top eight performers and finished comfortably in the top eight.
At the beginning of the second season in the premiere league, we surprised all by not only qualifying for the one day Telkom charity cup, but by also receiving the highest number of votes with a total of over 27 000 votes. Even though for the better part of the season, we were not in a comfortable position in the league standings, we managed to pull yet another surprise, after everyone had written us off as relegated, by winning all our last ten matches with an average of three goals per match.
The team’s supporters never lost hope even when the results were not forthcoming as they continued to pack the stadium during the hard times. They continued with their support and voted us again for the second time in a row to participate in the Telkom charity cup with votes over 150 000.
The supporters understand that this team is not only about soccer; it is a way of life. Since the inception of the team in the premiere league, many people have benefited in one way or another: transport business, hotels, food vendors and local fresh produce markets make most of their business on match days. Employment is also created through the team. The socio-economic status of the area has improved tremendously.
LIDODA DUVHA FACT FILE
Formed: 1983
Previuos name: Sibasa Black Leopards
Nickname: Lidoda Duvha
Management
Executive chairman: David Thidiela
Vice chairman: Victor Ravhuanzwo
Chief Executive Officer: Fulufhelo Thidiela
Board members: Khosi Vho-Ramovha, Kenny Bouwer, Gayley Mabirimisa, Joas Matidze
Brand manager: Tshifhiwa "Chief" Thidiela
General/Team Manager: Aaron Thidiela
Technical Staff
Head Coach: Boebi Solomons
Assistant: Ramadhan Nsanzurwimo
Golakeeper coach: Joel Masutha
Physio: Moses Louw
Team doctor: Ndinannyi Nangambi
Kit manager: Sam Khaphathe
Grounds Manager: Fhedzisani Makongoza
Logistics manager: Vacant
Youth development coach: Wanani Mulaudzi
Drivers: Nyambeni Thisivhase, Elvis Shivambu
Home Ground: Thohoyandou Stadium
Alternative home grounds (s): Malamulele, Makwarela
Official sponsor: MTN
Technical supplier: Umbro
Home kit: Black with gold trim
Away kit: White with gold trim
Change kit: Gold with black trim
Club Records
Most appearances: Christopher Netshidzivhe
Mos appearances in a season: Augustine Mabuya (2001/02) and Fernando Matola (2004/05) both on 34
Most goals in a season: Mulondo Sikhwivhilu 11 (2004/05)
Most capped player: Fernando Matola (Mozambique)
Record win: 7-1 v Bush Bucks (13/04/02)
Record loss: 0-5 v Kaizer Chiefs (9/9/03)
Club Honours
First Division Inland Stream champions: 2000/01
