This happened after a string of poor results and the final straw was when Leopards lost 2-0 to Santos in their own backyard on Tuesday.

This is, however, not a cancellation of his current contract as he is going to receive the same salary and all the other benefits that he enjoyed while he was still the first team coach.

The former Bafana Bafana coach, who was roped in in February 2004, has only managed to win four games out of the 21 matches that Li Do Da Duvha have played in the Castle Premiership this season.

Leopards also have a dismal home record, with only the two wins against Bush Bucks and Sundowns respectively. This in contrast to the past when visiting teams struggled to even get a single point at their Thohoyandou home ground.

Assistant Jacob Sakala will now take over as the acting head coach until the end of the season.

"Management has decided to step in to save our sinking ship, it is clear that Mashaba has done all that he can, but nothing seems to be working. It is now time to try something different," explained Chief Thidiela, the teams brand manager.

"We are currently lying third from the bottom with only three points ahead of the team at the bottom and we are definitely not happy about that.

"We still have nine games to play and we feel unless we do something we will find ourselves at the Mvela League. The main reason for his deployment is obviously the poor performance of the team."