1-0 Victory for Black Leopards

Black Leopards registered their third victory under the guidance of Mr Sello Chokoe when they narrowly beat Amazulu 1-0 in their NFD League match at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Saturday.

Leopards took the game to the visitors from Durban from the first whistle blow, forcing the opposition's defence to abandon their positions and pack themselves at the back. The home side threatened to score in the fourth minute. Their diminutive left-footed striker, Ndamulelo Mungadi, went loose from the far left corner after beating two defenders in a row and unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the box. The Zulus’ keeper, Sage Stephens, braved the shot and pulled off a brilliant save.

The home side strengthened their striking force by introducing Khunadi Nkoana at the expense of Themba Mabuyango in the 18^th minute. Realizing that Lidoda Duvha were playing good football, Amazulu tried their luck by replacing Zola Jingi with Thabo Moloi. Leopards’ keeper, Avhashoni Tshinuna, was reduced to a mere spectator in the last 20 minutes of the first half. At that stage, Leopards were all over the Kwazulu Natal side. Although Leopards enjoyed more ball possession in the first half, their strikers were not lucky enough to find the net.

Leopards effected another change to their starting 11 four minutes into the last half. They replaced Marubini Manyane with Ruggert Nyundu. Amazulu started to play defensive football and relied on counterattacks. Leopards lost Katlego Molomo through injury in the 76^th minute. He was replaced with Jonathan King.

The goal that earned Leopards three points came two minutes before the end of regulation time. Mziwokuthula Zimu hooked the ball in, following a heartbreaking scramble within the box.

Sport - Date: 06 May 2016

Frank Mavhungu

Frank is a Human Resources Manager at the Department of Public Works in Limpopo. He is the longest serving correspondent of the Mirror, having joined us at the end of 1990.  He mainly writes sports reports and resides at Tsianda Village. In 2004, Frank won the National Castle League Award, an award for the best reporter in the SAB league in South Africa.

Email: