THOHOYANDOU – After losing 1-3 to Orlando Pirates last Wednesday, Black Leopards continued to donate vital league points when they again suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Bush Bucks on Saturday.

The match was played at the Absa Stadium in East London.

The game was played to the finish despite the fact that heavy rain started falling a few minutes into the match. As usual, Leopards enjoyed ball possession for the better part of the game but suffered the pain of losing the game at the end.

Manele Zibi of Bush Bucks forced his way through the defence of Leopards and unleashed a powerful shot that left goalkeeper; Joel Masutha flatfooted in the 11th minute. Wanani Mulaudzi, the Leopards captain released a half volley from the edge of the box and beat the Bush Bucks keeper.

The goal was scored three minutes before the break. Mulaudzi also scored the only Leopards goal when they lost 1-3 to Orlando Pirates last Wednesday.

The visiting side left Wonder Nhleko in the dressing room during half time and introduced Mulondo Sikhwivhilu in his place.

Two Leopards players Papi Gama and Godfrey Ramudzuli were cautioned for rough play. Gama was later replaced with Jaconia Cibi, while Duncan Lechesa came on for Matari Netshidzivhe later in the game. Wilfred Mugeyi scored the winning goal for the home side when he finished a square pass from Shaun Hashick with a header in the 80th minute.

The referee waved a play-on signal at the time when everyone thought he would award Leopards a penalty after Sibusiso Dlamini was brought down within the box. Richard Lishivha went loose from the right corner and saw his shot hit the side netting two minutes before full time.