Black Leopards will not take any further part in the Telkom Cup. This follows their 1-2 defeat by Orlando Pirates at the Orlando Stadium last Saturday evening.

Lidoda Duvha put their two new signees, Joshua Obaje and Sizwe Sibiya, to the test against Pirates. Although Sibiya was later replaced with Karabo Tsepo, his presence could be felt as he kept on dishing out telling passes to the strikers, Rodney Ramagalela and Joshua Obaje.

The home side was awarded a free kick in the 24th minute. Isaac Chansa took the free kick and Benni McCarthy, who was waiting inside the penalty area, gave the ball the final touch to give his side a 1-0 lead. McCarthy suffered a pulled muscle in the process and he could not continue with the game. His substitute, Bongani Ndulula, took time to adjust to the tempo of the game but gained momentum towards the halfway mark of the last stanza.

Pirates missed a fortune when their overlapping defender, Andile Jali, shot wide from the penalty area. Vincent Mabusela of Leopards was lucky to escape with a mere caution after kicking Dian Klate on the chest in the second half.

Leopards later fortified their left flank by introducing Thomas Madimba for Luyolo Mapolisa. Their final replacement came moments thereafter, when they sacrificed Ramagalela for Grant Lungu.

The Buccaneers increased the margin through Bongani Ndulula, who unleashed from the edge of the box. Leopards’ solitary goal came in the referee’s optional time via Moses Kwena, who headed home after a corner kick.