As if they had won a cup competition, there was jubilation in the camp of Black Leopards after the team registered a 1–0 victory over Leicesterford City in their Motsepe Foundation Championship League match at Thohoyandou Stadium last Sunday.
It was the first win for Lidoda Duvha under the guidance of newly appointed co-coaches Sundra Govinder and Duncan Lechesa. The duo took over from Mabhuti Khenyeza last month following a string of poor results.
One of the co-coaches, Govinder, said the victory was long overdue, as the team had enjoyed possession in every game since their appointment. He said that although the side remains at the bottom of the log, it is only a matter of time before Leopards move out of the relegation zone. Leopards are currently on 16 points, two behind fellow strugglers Baroka FC.
Govinder added that his team deserved to win by a wider margin, saying the visitors were on the back foot from the start. He said adopting a more defensive approach after scoring proved necessary to avoid a repeat of their match against Midlands Wanderers at Princess Magogo Stadium two weeks ago, where Leopards conceded a late equaliser after leading for most of the game.
Govinder’s counterpart from Leicesterford City, Stanford Nkoane, said Leopards had given them far more than they had bargained for. He admitted his side could have conceded at least five goals, as the hosts dominated throughout.
Bethuel Muzeu scored the only goal of the match.