Leopards coach blames players for 2-1 defeat

The Black Leopards coach, Kosta Papic has blamed the players for the team’s 2-1 defeat to African Warriors, stating a lack of responsibilty.

The teams played a National First Division (NFD) match at the Seshego Stadium on Friday.

Papic said the team should have collected maximum points at home.

“We missed brilliant chances and we are going back to the drawing board to come up with new plans to win the next game against Baroca FC,” said Papic.

Leopards strikers, David Zulu and Ivan Mahangwahaya missed clear chances in the first half of the match. Warrior registered their first goal in the 19th minute through Thamsanqa Ngema after a deflection that sent Leopards’ goalkeeper to the wrong side.

It was 1-0 when the referee blew the half-time whistle, with Warriors in the lead.

Leopards introduced Amidu Abbas in the second half and the striking force started giving pressure to Warriors’ defenders. Abbas equalised in the 61st minute after releasing a powerful shot from the range.

Warriors continued to outrun Lidodo Duvha until they scored their second goal through Vincent Pule, who scored a square pass from Bonginkosi Nxumalo in the 74th minute.

The Warriors coach, Thami Ngubane said Leopards had experienced players, but winning the away game boosted the morale of the Warriors players.