YOUNG Warriors’ mentor Jairos Tapera is due to be unveiled as coach of South African National First Division side Black Leopards today after agreeing a three-year deal.

Leopards are targeting promotion to the Absa Premiership and they believe Tapera is the right man to take them to the top tier league.

Tapera’s Swaziland-based intermediary Dingane Maduna, who has about 15 Zimbabwean-born coaches in his books, confirmed the deal yesterday.

“Tapera has agreed a three-year deal with Black Leopards and will be unveiled anytime. The contract will run from the 1st of June 2016 to 31 May 2019,” said Maduna.

“Leopards are aware of Tapera’s engagement as the Under-20 national coach and are prepared to release him for the Cameroon qualifier and could still be released for more matches until Zifa find a replacement,” he said.

Maduna, however, declined to reveal the package involved except to say it was lucrative. Tapera will also have to source his own accommodation and transport.

Leopards’ general manager Kenneth Makhanya, who signed the deal on behalf of the club, could not be reached for comment.

Leopards are home to Zimbabwean striker Charlton Mashumba, who is presently with the Warriors preparing for the 2017 Afcon qualifier against Malawi as well as for the Cosafa Senior Cup to be held in Namibia from June 11-25.

Tapera started his coaching career at Tongogara and went on to take charge of ZPC Hwange, Chapungu and Silo United. He also guided FC Platinum, then known as Mimosa, into the Premiership after bagging the inaugural Central Soccer League title in 2010.

After serving as FC Platinum director of football, Tapera tried in vain, a few years later, to save Shabanie Mine from Premiership relegation.