Things are going from bad to worse for Black Leopards FC, who have suffered two defeats in the space of four days.
Lidoda Duvha were beaten 3-1 by Baroka FC in their Motsepe Foundation Championship match at the Global Stadium in Lebowakgomo on Saturday. Four days later, they were knocked out of the Nedbank Cup by Casric Stars, who edged them 1-0 at Thohoyandou Stadium on Tuesday afternoon — a result that further frustrated their loyal supporters.
Leopards are yet to record a victory under newly appointed head coach Mabhuti Khanyeza. Their next assignment is a league clash with Gomora United at Thohoyandou Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Asked whether the Nedbank Cup exit could be a blessing in disguise by allowing Leopards to focus on the league, Khanyeza dismissed the idea. He said the defeat was "a bitter pill to swallow" and insisted it was possible to challenge for both the cup and the league title.
He warned that Sunday's match would be a tough encounter, noting that Gomora are "in the right frame of mind" after holding Highbury FC to a goalless draw last weekend.
Both teams are fighting for survival. Gomora are 13th on the log with 14 points, while Leopards sit second from the bottom with nine.
In other weekend fixtures, Venda Football Club will host Baroka FC on Sunday. Upington City will play Hungry Lions, The Bees face Kruger United, Midlands Wanderers meet Milford FC, and Cape Town Spurs take on Highbury FC.