It was a feast of goals when Black Leopards brutally walloped Maluti FET College 7-4 in their National First Division League match at the old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Saturday.

The home side made their intentions clear from the first whistle and their opening goal came in the second minute of the game. Maboke Matlakala headed home, following a neat cross from Samuel Tefu. The keeper of Maluti, Mohlolo Khuse, watched helplessly as the ball went beyond his reach.

Samkelo Dladla of Maluti handled the ball in his own penalty area. That prompted the East London-based referee, Mr Lwandile Mfiki, to award Leopards a penalty. David Zulu scored from the white spot, but the referee ordered a retake. Zulu made no mistake again.

Maluti pulled one back via Mahabo Pako, who headed home after a corner. That was an insult to Lidoda Duvha as they scored the third via David Zulu moments later. The students reduced the margin nine minutes towards the end of the first half. Lerato Mofokeng blasted in a rocket from inside the box.

The visitors from the Free State approached the second half with more self-confidence. At that stage, the Leopards’ midfield was disorganized and the students capitalized and scored in the 49th minute. Rankati Malefetsane beat the Leopards’ keeper, Dino Visser, with a header.

Leopards reclaimed the lead in the 56th minute. Mumuni Abubakar unleashed from outside the box. A defender of Maluti, Tumane Khosholo, deflected the ball back into his own net in a bid to clear. Karabo Tsepe, who came on as a substitute, dribbled past two Maluti defenders in a row and showed the keeper the wrong way, while Mamuni Abubakar completed his brace with a close-range ground cutter.

The students did not throw in the towel, despite the huge margin. They continued to fight until they found the fourth in the 74th minute. Mosotho Jubere connected Lesley Baloyi’s pass and gave the ball the final touch. David Zulu scored the seventh for Leopards late in the game.