Black Leopards general manager Tshifhiwa Thidiela says Thuso Phala was released after the player asked the club to terminate his contract.
The 33-year-old winger joined Lidoda Duvha as a free agent prior to the start of the current campaign on a one-year contract with an option to renew for a further season.
Thidiela revealed Phala, who has turned out for PSL giants Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs, was informed that Leopards would not exercise the option to renew his deal last January.
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This is because Phala was struggling for game time and Thidiela spoke to SABC Sports Radio Station Phalaphala FM on Friday night to explain why the speedy player was released earlier this week.