Shongwe, who signed a five-months contract with the Limpopo side as player/assistant coach, started training with his new team on Thursday and said he was looking forward to the challenges of playing in the Premiership.

"The sun is very hot here but I will get used to it," said an excited Shongwe. "I am greatly honoured to be given this rare opportunity and I will do my best to help Leopards."

Shongwe impressed the struggling Leopards in the curtain-raiser between Iwisa Kaizer Chiefs Legends against Sundowns Masters at Ellis Park with he scored stunning hat-trick in the 4-1 victory.

Chaklas could make his debut on Saturday when Leopards host relegation-threatened African Wanderers at Thohoyandou.

Due to Shongwe's new commitments, it is unlikely that he will still be seen in the Legends colours in the next five months.