Leopards qualify for NFD play-offs
BLACK Leopards qualified for the National First Division play-offs after their 2-0 victory over African Warriors at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Sunday.
LIMPOPO – BLACK Leopards qualified for the National First Division play-offs after their 2-0 victory over African Warriors at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Sunday.
Lidoda Duvha got an early goal when Harry Nyirenda found the back of the net in the first 15 minutes of the match. Their lead was doubled in the second half when Roggert Nyundu took a dedicated penalty and hit the roof of the net.
Although Nyundu, Ivan Mahangwahaya and Leonard Ntshangase failed to increase the tally, Leopards coach, Zeca Marques praised the players for the 2-0 victory, saying they showed character.
Meanwhile, Cosmos walloped Cape Town All Stars 2-0 at the Athlone Stadium in Cape Town, also claiming a place in the play-offs.
The victories for Cosmos and Leopards meant that a 3-2 win for Thanda Royal Zulu FC over Ga-Rankuwa United at the Umhlathuze Sports Complex was not enough to see the KwaZulu-Natal side into the play-offs as they finished in fourth place.
Three teams, Lidoda Duvha, Jomo Cosmos and Moroka Swallows will play in a mini-league format, home and away, and the team with the most points will compete in the Premier Soccer League next season.The play-offs will run from May 17 to June 3.
A tough journey lies ahead for Leopards as they will open the play-offs table by hosting Ezinkosi at the Thohoyandou stadium on Sunday afternoon, followed by another life and death clash with the Dube Birds at the Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto.
On May 27, Leopards will lock horns with Cosmos in their last round at Vaal Tech Stadium and complete the play-offs mini league with Moroka Swallows in Thohoyandou Stadium on June 3.
Lidoda Duvha spokesperson, Barry Ramunenyiwa, appealed to fans to buy tickets on time to avoid disappointment. He thanked the fans for their support since the team returned to Thohoyandou.
