Another narrow defeat for Lidoda Duvha

They were in the 12^th spot after their 0-1 defeat to Polokwane City in their opening league match at the Thohoyandou Stadium two weeks ago, and now Black Leopards moved two steps down on the log, following their 0-1 defeat at the hands of Kaizer Chiefs at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban last Saturday evening.

The club’s spokesperson, Mr Berry Ramunenyiwa, said losing their two opening league matches was a “blessing in disguise” as they now knew where to tighten up their loose ends. He appealed to the fans not to panic, saying they would see a new Black Leopards when they faced Highlands Park in their next league match at the Thohoyandou Stadium next Saturday, 24 August.

Just like in their opening match against Polokwane City, Mwape Musonda, the league’s top goal scorer last season, was not part of the team that played against Kaizer Chiefs. According to Ramunenyiwa, the Zambian striker was not fit for the match after recovering from an ankle injury.

Amakhosi took only 11 minutes to score the goal that earned them the three league points. The home side were awarded a corner kick after Chris Katjiukua, the Leopards’ left back, considered safety first by clearing the ball out of danger after a scramble within the box. Eric Mulomowandanu Mathoho broke the Leopards’ fans’ hearts when he headed home from inside the box.

The visitors from Thohoyandou effected three changes later in the game. They introduced Alton Kapinga, Thuso Phala and Joseph Mhlongo for Lifa Hlongwane, Tswarelo Bereng and Tumelo Khutjang respectively. The replacements proved to be a good move on the part of the team’s technical staff as Lidoda Duvha were all over Chiefs in the last 30 minutes of the game, with the home side playing defensive football in a bid to maintain the lead.  

Date:15 August 2019

By: Frank Mavhungu

Frank is a Human Resources Manager at the Department of Public Works in Limpopo. He is the longest serving correspondent of the Mirror, having joined us at the end of 1990.  He mainly writes sports reports and resides at Tsianda Village. In 2004, Frank won the National Castle League Award, an award for the best reporter in the SAB league in South Africa.

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