THOHOYANDOU – Black Leopards restored their pride, by crushing Kaizer Chiefs 2-0 in their Castle Premiership League fixture in front of a capacity crowd at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Saturday. That was the first victory for the Thohoyandou outfit in five matches.

Chiefs started the match purposefully and their first attack came as early as the sixth minute, when the dangerous Kenny Niemach headed narrowly wide after a cross from Stanton Fredericks. A minute later Niemach brought the best out of the Leopards’ goalkeeper, Joel Masutha, with a superb overhead kick.

Frederick was the culprit in the 12th minute when he headed a clear cut cross from Jose Macamo over the bar. Leopards took the lead in the 40th minute when the captain, Thokozani Mnguni scored with a header, following a well-taken free kick by Godfrey Ramudzuli. The free kick came as a result of Isaac Mabotsa’s tackle on Sbusiso Dlamini.

Mnguni was cautioned with a yellow card for an illegal tackle on Kenny Niemach three minutes before break.

Gavin Hunt, the Leopards coach revealed his wisdom when he replaced Stanley Sibeko with Coxwell Magic” Ratshivhadelo late in the second half. Ratshivhadelo combined well with Mulondo Sikhwivhilu and Sbusiso Dlamini at the forefront. Leopards put matters beyond doubt when a shot from Ratshivhadelo was deflected into Chiefs’ net by defender Nhlanhla Khubeka in the 85th minute.

Joel Masutha, Leopards’ goalie and skipper palmed Arthur Zwane’s volley back into the field of play a minute later. The home side should have scored their third goal in the referee’s optional time, but Mulondo Sikhwivhilu shot wide when he had only Rowen Fernandez to beat. Sbusiso Dlamini of Leopards was named Man of the Match. He took home a cheque of R1 500 and a trophy following his superb performance in the game.