Black Leopards started their promotional play-offs programme with a bang with a 2-1 victory over Milano United at the Giyani Stadium on Sunday.

The home side started the game like a house on fire with their strikers, Rendai Ndou and Maboke Matlakala, forcing the defence of Milano to play with their backs against the wall. The Dzimauli-born referee, Mr Shumani Tinyani, flashed the first yellow card in the sixth minute. Devon Saal of Milano United tackled Rendani Ndou from behind and Tinyani was quick to flash yellow. Although Ndou was injured during the incident, he soldiered on.

Lidoda Duvha took the lead in the 14th minute. Rendani Ndou won the ball from the left corner and unleashed a powerful ground cutter. A defender of United, Thibang Phethe, deflected the ball back into his own net while trying to clear.

Leonard Ntshangase of Leopards was also booked for dangerous play in the 29th minute. The visitors from Cape Town found the equalizer nine minutes before the end of the first half. They were awarded a free kick just outside the box. Taariq Fielies headed home to bring the half-time score to 1-1.

Ntshangase’s performance deteriorated with time, and he was replaced with Bafana Sibeko in the 55th minute. Sibeko formed a deadly combination with Edgar Manaka and Meshack Maphangule in the middle of the park. Leopards then sacrificed the injured Rendani Ndou, who gave way to Sphamandla Sangweni.

The goal which earned the Thohoyandou outfit three vital points came in the 69th minute. Maboke Matlakala beat the United keeper, Wensten van der Linde, with a ground cutter. Maboke Matlakala was replaced with Ivan Mahangwahaya shortly after scoring the goal.

Meshack Maphangule was also reprimanded with a card for a late tackle on Richard Webber in the 74th minute. Leopards’ keeper, Jacob Mokhasi, denied the United left winger Ganief Stellenboom what everybody thought was a sure goal in the 84th minute. Mokhasi palmed the long-range volley away for a corner kick.