Black Leopards started their second-round league programme with a bang, when they beat the University of Pretoria 4-0 in their NFD league match at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Saturday.
Lidoda Duvha took the lead in the 19th minute. Their overlapping right back, Marks Munyai, was brought down within the box and a penalty was awarded to the home side. Their Zambian sharpshooter, Mwape Musonda, made no mistake from the spot.
Realizing that their midfielders were fast losing their fighting spirit, the students introduced Kyle Koert for Mogau Kwinana in the 26th minute. The home side scored their second goal before the end of the first half. Xolani Ndlovu forced his way through the defence of Tuks and beat the keeper with a ground gutter.
The visitors tried their luck by effecting another change to their starting line-up. They sacrificed Kamogelo Mogaswa for Ian Chikowa in the 54th minute. Leopards' defender, Isaac Masia, was booked for obstructing Thabo Moseki two minutes later. Lidoda Duvha then strengthened their striking force by replacing Thembisani Nevhulamba with Joseph Mhlongo.
Mhlongo formed a deadly combination with Mwape Musonda and Xolani Ndlovu at the forefront. Musonda was on target in the 74th minute, following a spotless pass from Joseph Mhlongo. Meshack Maphangule, the Leopards' dribbling wizard, was replaced with Karabo Tsepe two minutes later.
Musonda completed his hat trick two minutes before the referee blew the final whistle.