The Multichoice Diski Challenge Black Leopards are fast becoming the league's milk cow. This after they lost 1-3 to Amazulu in their league match at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Saturday.
The visitors from Durban meant business from the first whistle, with their midfielders, Siphesihle Maduna, Charlie Hlalele and Sbusiso Maluleke, distributing some telling passes to the goal poachers.
Tshepo Letswalo of Black Leopards was reprimanded with a card for tackling Lankie Khoza from behind 12 minutes into the game. The Zulus took the lead in the 18th minute. They were awarded a corner kick and Bayanda Shangase headed home.
Lidoda Duvha then took the game to the opponents, frustrating them with their dribbling skills. The Leopards' solitary goal came in the 34th minute. Their vastly experienced striker, Thembisani Nevhulamba, blasted in a rocket after beating the offside trap.
Amazulu were forced to replace their keeper, Noel Anomone, after he sustained a knee injury. He was replaced with Neil Boshoff.
The score was still 1-1 when the teams adjourned for the half-time break. Leopards replaced Muthu Luswinga with Junior Letwaba three minutes into the last half. That prompted the visitors to introduce Thokozane Ngubane for Lankie Khoza three minutes afterwards.
Amazulu reclaimed the lead in the 68th minute. They were awarded a free kick in the 25-meter area. Singabankho Ngema beat the Leopards' keeper, Rendani Maduwa, with a half volley from the free kick.
Things turned against the home side after they lost their left back, Andiswa Ndawonde, through injury. Ndawonde was replaced with Tswarelo Bareng. Amazulu put the matter beyond doubt when a substitute, Thokozani Ngubane, headed home five minutes before the final whistle.