Times Of Swaziland: LEOPARD STAR KONE OFF TO SAUDI ARABIA

LEOPARD STAR KONE OFF TO SAUDI ARABIA
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Lindokuhle Madlopha on 13/01/2025 08:07:00


Mbabane – Royal Leopard’s former star striker Felix Kone has reportedly
signed with a club in Saudi Arabia, marking the end of his brief but impactful
stint in Eswatini.
This was confirmed by Royal Leopard Head Coach Edwin Matsebula during a
post-match interview, following the team’s victory against Green Mamba in the
MTN Premier League’s first-round decider at the King Sobhuza II Memorial
Stadium. Matsebula expressed concern over Kone’s departure, particularly the
void it leaves in the team’s attacking line. The Cameroonian striker was one
of Leopard’s standout players, and his goal-scoring ability was a crucial part
of their offensive strategy. “It’s very unfortunate that one of our top
performers, Felix Kone, has left for Saudi Arabia,” Matsebula said. “He was
instrumental in our attack, and now, we face the challenge of filling the void
left by his absence.”
contract
The coach further explained that Kone’s contract, originally set for three
months, had come to an end. Despite the club’s efforts to extend his stay,
Kone will now be making a move to the Middle East to join an unnamed club. “We
had a three-month contract with him, and now we must find a way to bring in
another player who can fill his shoes,” Matsebula added. Kone joined Royal
Leopard during the first registration period in September, signing a short-term
deal with the police-led outfit. In his time at the club, he managed to score
two league goals. Sources within Leopard revealed that discussions had taken
place regarding a potential contract extension, but Kone’s decision to move to
Saudi Arabia was finalised before the team faced off against their rivals, Green
Mamba, the match that secured their first-round ‘carrot’ incentive. Kone’s
departure is a blow for Royal Leopard, but the team will now need to regroup and
search for a replacement capable of continuing their push for glory in the
league.