THOHOYANDOU – It was like a Christmas party for the players, officials and supporters of Black Leopards at the end of the Castle Premiership League game against Orlando Pirates at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Saturday.

Leopards shocked everyone when they won the match 1-0. Lidoda Duvha came close to scoring in the 15th minute, when Mulondo Sikhwivhilu broke loose, but caused an upset by shooting straight to the Buccaneers keeper, William Okpara.

Leopards continued to control the proceedings, but their strikers let them down by shooting aimlessly from the close range. William Okpara, the Pirates keeper was lucky to escape with a verbal warning, after kicking Japhta Mabosho on the head.

Jimmy Kauleza of Pirates was booked for a foul on Papi Gama towards the end of the first half. Leopards introduced Vusi Kharivhe for the injured Japheth Mabosho earlier in the second half.

The Limpopo outfit were awarded a place kick in the 74th minute. Christopher Netshidzivhe released a ground cutter and the Pirates' defender Abednego Netshiozwi deflected the ball back into his own net in his failed attempt to clear.

Pirates came back strongly but the Leopards keeper, Walter Khumalo denied them a goal when he fisted Gift Leremi's volley away for a corner kick.

Leopards effected two more changes in the 80th minute. They brought on Fernando Matola and Richard Lishivha for Johannes Nkande and Wonder Nhleko respectively. The visitors responded by replacing Jimmy Kauleza with Thapelo Liau.

Things turned against Pirates when their reliable defender, Abednego Netshiozwi saw red, following a late tackle on Mulondo Sikhwivhilu. The referee, Ronny Marhule, denied Leopards what was a clear penalty four minutes before full time. Mulondo Sikhwivhilu was brought down within the box and Marhule remained silent as if there was nothing wrong.