DURBAN – Black Leopards came back with full points from their away Castle Premiership League fixture against the PSL rookies, Zulu Royals, when they beat them 3-2 in their tit-for-tat game that was played at the Absa Stadium in Durban on Sunday.

The game started at a boring pace, with both sides lacking the zeal to attack. Mulondo Sikhwivhilu, the Leopards' fleet-footed forward, scored a hat trick in the game. Leopards, who were under the guidance of their caretaker coach, David Buyne, were the first to draw the blood.

Their opening goal came in the 34th minute. Mulondo Sikhwivhilu finished off a neat pass from Wanani Mulaudzi with an accurate header, to give Leopards a 1-0 lead at half-time. The former Dynamos striker, Jackie Ledwaba, equalized in the 59th minute with a header.

Zulu Royals did not have enough chance to celebrate their equalizing goal, as Sikhwivhilu was on target a minute thereafter. Zulu Royals introduced Thabiso Malatsi for Ngcobo in the 70th minute. That proved to be a clever move on the part of the Royals' technical staff.

They were rewarded for that in the 74th minute when Asanda Ngobese sent in a volley, after receiving a cross from Jappie Arries. Royals were reduced to ten men later in the game, when their captain, Joe Bwala, received a second yellow card for dragging Kevin Mushangazhike down within the box.

The referee, Mr Harry Lekitlane, was quick to point at the white spot. Mulondo Sikhwivhilu, who was on his best form, converted it into a goal. The victory leaves Black Leopards with 11 points gained from seven matches. They are lying in the sixth spot.