DURBAN – Black Leopards added more woes to one of the relegation candidates, Manning Rangers Football Club, when they beat them 1-0 in their Castle Premiership League match that was played at the Chatsworth Stadium in Durban last Friday evening.

The Thohoyandou outfit dominated the first half and took advantage of the strong wind that was blowing in their favour. As usual, Black Leopards created numerous chances and failed to convert them, due to the lack of sharpness on the part of their strikers.

The goal that earned Lidoda Duvha three vital points came in the 22nd minute. Leopards were awarded a corner kick after Phumlani Mkhize headed back in an attempt to clear the ball. Christopher Netshidzivhe found the back of the net directly from the corner spot.

They visitors went on searching for more goals but it was difficult for them to find their way through the opponents’ wall of defenders. In the second half, the Rangers’ coach, Mr Ian Palmer, introduced Linos Chalwe for Phumlani Mkhize, who was looking weary.

The home side later swapped Thabiso Hlalele for Regan Stuart in a bid to fortify their centre half. These changes enabled the Durbanites to take the game to Lidoda Duvha, but poor finishing made it impossible for them to find the back of the net.

The result has pushed Black Leopards to the fourth place on the log with 13 points accumulated from nine matches. Rangers are still languishing in the 15th position with five points in hand, two more than Jomo Cosmos Football Club, who are still to win a league match this season.