As if they had won a cup final, Black Leopards could not stop celebrating after beating Ajax Cape Town 3-1 in their final Absa Premiership League match at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Saturday afternoon. The celebration was not a surprise, as the victory means that Lidoda Duvha managed to escape relegation.

Both sides needed the three points desperately. A win for the Urban Warriors would mean that they had finished their league programme in the top eight, thereby indirectly helping their neighbors, Santos FC, to avoid taking part in the relegation play-offs, while it was a matter of life and death to the local lads.

Kingston Nkatha, the Zimbabwean international, scored Leopards’ opening goal in the eighth minute. The striker headed home a cross from Mongezi Bobe to beat the Ajax keeper, Sander Westerveld, at the near post. Lidoda Duvha nearly increased the margin seven minutes before the break, but Nkatha was caught in an offside position.

Ajax started the second half just like they did the first half, by conceding a goal. Samuel Mabunda scored with a header, following Maake’s brilliant cross. There was no stopping the Leopards players as they scored again four minutes thereafter.

The home side was awarded a free kick just outside the box. Mahlatse Maake sent in a cross from the free kick and Vincent Xakane, who was in the perfect scoring position, headed home. Maake was replaced with Thomas Madimba in the 58th minute, while Samuel Mabunda gave way to Dave Banda moments later.

Ajax pulled one back in the 86th minute through Lebogang Manyama. As part of their time-wasting strategies, Leopards introduced David Zulu for Kingston Nkatha two minutes before the final whistle.

Leopards will now concentrate on their last-16 fixture for the Caf Confederation  Cup match against El Merrikh FC from Sudan. The match will be played in Sudan on Saturday, June 29.