THOHOYANDOU – Black Leopards are the Premier's Bursary Cup Challenge champions. They beat Highlandspark Silver Stars 2-1 in the finals of the competition at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Saturday.

There was a spirit of commitment from both sides throughout the game. Leopards were intimidated by the yellow card that was flashed to their bulldozer striker, Sbusiso Dlamini, in the 15th minute. The keeper of Silver Stars caused an upset when he failed to handle the ball. The ball hit his knees and bounced back into play. Matari Netshidzivhe easily gave his side the lead.

The only goal for Silver Stars was scored by Byala Mushadu nine minutes before the break. The score was still 1-1 when the referee, Ronny Marhule, blew the half-time whistle. The winning goal for Leopards came in the 70th minute.

Sbusiso Dlamini was trapped within the box, thus forcing the referee to award a penalty in favour of Leopards. Thokhozani Mnguni converted it into a goal. Both sides effected several changes to their starting line-ups later in the game.

Leopards were given a cheque of R90 000, a floating trophy and gold medals for their achievement. Highlandspark Silver Stars went home with an amount of R50 000 and silver medals. Dynamos and Ria Stars, who lost in the semi-finals, were each given an amount of R30 000 and bronze medals. According to the organisers the tournament will be an annual event.