Harry Nyirenda survives Leopards clear-out

Flames defender Harry Nyirenda is counting his luck after surviving a clear-out that has seen Black Leopards offloading 12 players in South Africa.

“God is not a human being. I have survived,” Nyirenda said in a Facebook interaction last Wednesday.

Nyirenda’s future was hazy after he was sidelined for the last stages of last season’s South Africa Premier Soccer League (PSL) campaign.

Leopards have since been relegated; hence, the club’s management, through chief commercial officer Sam Khaphathe, said on its website it could not keep some players.

He said this is “due to the number of Under-23 players required to play in the first division, they are forced to release these players”.

“Foreign players such as Kamhunka (Zimbabwean) and Obaje (Nigerian) are affected because of the foreign quota as you are allowed to have only three foreign players in the first division, compared to the five in the PSL.”

Following the release of their captain Mongezi Bobe, Leopards have also put on the transfer list Humphrey Khoza, Enort Dzaga, Joshua Obaje, Vincent Xakane, Victor Kahmunka, Ayanda Mtshali, Azwindini Maphaha and Thulani Ntshingila.

Moses Kwena, Vincent Mabusela and Postnett Omony were also released following the expiry of their contracts which will not be renewed.

New coach Kosta Papic has been busy conducting trials to find replacements and more Under-23 players as the only Under-23 was Tommy Mandlazi.