Black Leopards are finding life tough in the 2025/26 Motsepe Foundation Championship, with the Thohoyandou side still searching for its first victory of the season.
Their struggles stem partly from problems they inherited after purchasing the All-Stars status at the end of the 2023/24 season, following their relegation to the ABC Motsepe League.
Fifa had imposed a transfer ban on All Stars due to money owed to a former player, and Leopards have had to carry that burden, which restricted their ability to register new signings until the sanction is lifted.
After three matches, Lidoda Duvha remain winless, having collected just two points from two draws, a run that sees them stuck at the bottom of the 16-team log.
The season started on a disastrous note when they lost 3-0 to Casric Stars at home in Thohoyandou Stadium, forced to play with 10 men and even converting a defender into a makeshift goalkeeper.
That early setback set the tone for what has been a frustrating campaign so far. Club chairman, David Thidiela apologized to their fans, promising to fix things.
“We were not aware of the Fifa transfer ban on the club, more so that we had to inherit All Stars’ problems, but we will fix these,” said Thidiela then.
Leopards went on to play two more league matches, which ended in draws, the first one away to University of Pretoria on August 31, which ended in a 2-2 draw, before they were held to a 1-1 draw by Lerumo Lions at the Thohoyandou Stadium on September 20.
Today, Leopards will be looking to redeem themselves when they travel to face newcomers Leicesterford FC.
With their opponents still adjusting to life in the National First Division, this fixture presents an opportunity for Leopards to finally break their winless run and restore some hope among their loyal supporters.
