FORMER Black Leopards star Lesedi Kapinga is in shock!
Lidoda Duvha stunned Kapinga on Monday when they terminated his contract with immediate effect.
The-25-year-old's contract with the Absa Premiership bottom side expired at the end of June but he had agreed to play for Leopards in their remaining six matches as the league was suspended in March due to the coronavirus pandemic.
But Leopards management decided that it will be for the best for them and Kapinga who has been linked with Mamelodi Sundowns to leave sooner rather than later.
“I am sad to be honest," Kapinga told SunSport from his flat in Polokwane.
“I love this team (Leopards) and I wanted to help them survive relegation. I am so sad for the fans who have been there for me supporting me all the way. It's sad because I never had a chance to say a final goodbye to the fans by helping Leopards retain their Premiership status. "
He added: “I had a great time at Leopards and I am thankful for the chance they gave me to play in the top fight. Leopards will always be in my heart."
Asked if there was a grudge between him and Leopards management after he refused to renew his contract with them, the Musina born midfielder said: “They (Leopards management) spoke to me in a way we felt it is the best for both of us (if I leave). They did not want me to play under pressure. If I made mistakes the fans would have felt maybe my heart is not there anymore because of the speculations (about my future).”
Kapinga also mentioned he does not know yet where he will be playing next season.
“All I know now is that I am a free agent and my manager is doing all he can to find a good team for me," explained Kapinga
“I know that there are talks with Sundowns and Orlando Pirates but I am waiting for my manager to give me the green light to where I will be playing. Now I am just relaxing at home."
Despite refusing to confirm that he is set to join Downs, a source told SunSport that Kapinga has already signed a five year contract with the Brazilians and he could now join them anytime.
Leopards manager, Tshifiwa Thidiela, confirmed through their social media feed that they have agreed to part ways with him.
"We have agreed that Lesedi to join his new team to protect him and ourselves. You know that the team is currently at the bottom, it's a matter of life and death. Sometimes when people know that the player is moving somewhere, it'll be detrimental for him, should he make a genuine mistake, you'll find that other players might feel that it's because his future is secured somewhere else. We'd rather let him go and start his new life and we wish him the best," said Thidiela.
