Black Leopards beckon back Mponda, appoints him head coach

In an exciting turn of events, Peter ‘Mjojo’ Mponda, the first assistant coach of FCB Nyasa Bullets, has been appointed as the head coach of his former South African club, Black Leopards. 

Mponda, a former captain of the Flames and assistant coach, made his way to South Africa to finalize the deal with the second-tier team based in the Limpopo Province.

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Confirming the news in a recent interview, Mponda expressed enthusiasm, stating that the personal terms with Leopards have been agreed upon, and he is pleased with the progress. 

However, the contract signing is still pending.  

“We have agreed personal terms with Leopards and I am happy, but I am yet to sign the contract. We hope to finalize everything soon. The negotiations have been going on for months and I am happy that we are almost through,” said Mponda.

Mponda’s primary objective as the new head coach will be to revitalize Black Leopards, who faced relegation from the second-tier Motsepe Foundation Championship in the previous season. 

Despite their relegation, the team successfully secured the status of All Stars FC, allowing them to remain in the league.

Expressing his fondness for FCB Nyasa Bullets, Mponda mentioned that leaving the team was a tough decision. 

He remarked, “Bullets have always been part of me. It is a team that is dearest to my heart, but sometimes there comes a time when you have to face other challenges.” 

He added that he hopes to return to the club in the future, acknowledging the significant impact it has had on his football career. 

Mponda extended his gratitude to the board, management, players, and fellow technical staff, particularly head coach Kalisto Pasuwa, for their unwavering support.

While Mponda has communicated his move to the Bullets’ administration, Albert Chigoga, the club’s chief administration officer, stated that Mponda informed them of his presence in South Africa for a job interview. 

During his time as assistant coach of FCB Nyasa Bullets, Mponda played a crucial role in the team’s success. 

Under his guidance, the club clinched four consecutive TNM Super League titles and reached the final of the East and Central Africa Football Associations (Cecafa) Club Championship three years ago.

Mponda played for Black Leopards from 2005 to 2010 when the club was in the Premier Soccer League.