THOHOYANDOU – Thousands of Black Leopards supporters left the Thohoyandou Stadium in disbelief, after their team unexpectedly played to a goalless draw against Moroka Swallows in their Castle Premiership League match that was played on Saturday.

The visitors from Gauteng approached the game in a rough manner. The referee, Mr Walter Mochubela, calmed the situation by flashing a yellow card to Samuel Ngobeni in the 8th minute. Ngobeni's sin was tackling Mpho Magidi roughly.

Swallows fought for 75 minutes with their hands tied behind their backs. Their front-runner, Lungisani Ndlela, was given his marching orders in the 15th minute. He punched Fernando Matola with a fist in the face.

Leopards failed to capitalise on the setback and instead continued to defend as if they were winning the match.

The Leopards coach effected the first change to his starting line-up by replacing Rian Hartslief with Thokozani Mnguni. At that stage, the game was 24 minutes old. Swallows responded by introducing Edzai Kasinauyo for Carlos Scott two minutes later.

The Limpopo outfit brought in two new faces later in the game. Mulondo Sikhwvhilu and Kevin Mushangahzike were replaced with Jafta Mabosho and Rudzani Ramudzuli respectively. Ramudzuli's introduction injected more life into the Leopards' striking force while Mabosho was too slow to match the Swallows' defence.

The Leopards fans shouted for the replacement of Mabosho, but unfortunately they had already finished their substitution chances. Swallows later brought on Marc Mcveigh for the tired Dennis Lota. The Swallows coach, Gavin Hunt, stated that he was happy with the result, when considering the fact that they were reduced to ten men in the opening minutes.