Black Leopards started the new season on a high note when they beat Bloemfontein Celtic 3-2 in their opening Absa Premiership League match at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Saturday.

Leopards did not wait for Celtic to come to them; instead, they took the game to the Free State side from the first whistle.

Although it soon became pretty clear that it was not Rodney Ramagalela's day, the Leopards' technical staff did not replace their killer-striker. Ramagalela caused an upset when he fumbled at the goal finish after receiving a neat pass from Jean Munganga.

Lidoda Duvha scored their opening goal in the 19th minute. Their Zimbabwean international, Amidu Abbas, unleashed a volley from outside the box. The Celtic keeper, Patrick Tingyemb, stretched to the limit but failed to clear the ball. It hit the crossbar and landed across the goal line.

In the beginning of the second half, Ramagalela missed a fortune again, when he shot straight to the keeper after beating the offside trap. Leopards continued to dominate proceedings and their left flank, Thomas Madimba, was on target, following a brilliant pass from Tiyani Mabunda.

Leopards’ new signee, Jean Munganga, was given his marching orders, following a late tackle on Lenox Bacela in the 67th minute. That was the turning point of the game. The visitors capitalised and scored two goals in quick succession. Lerato Manzini and Ruzaigh Gamidien scored in the 75th and 77th minute respectively.

That did not stop Leopards from playing as a united team.  They were awarded a penalty after Thomas Madimba was brought down within the box. Rodney Ramagalela scored from the white spot.

Celtic were also reduced to 10 men when John Arwuah was shown red for tackling Raymond Monama the rough way. That gave Leopards a chance to maintain the lead to the bitter end.