Another tricky hurdle ahead for Black Leopards

Black Leopards must secure a win against Durban City in their Motsepe Foundation Championship League match at Thohoyandou Stadium on Saturday if they hope to stay on track for promotion. Despite playing on home turf, Lidoda Duvha face a formidable challenge, as Durban City remains unbeaten in the league so far. The league leaders secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Baroka FC at Chatsworth Stadium last Friday, solidifying their top spot with 15 points.

A key factor for Durban City has been the dynamic combination of Ruzaigh Gamaldien and former Venda Football Club left winger Athini Jodwana. Gamaldien was the match-winner against Baroka, and City's strong defence has only conceded three goals in seven matches, highlighting the resilience Black Leopards will have to overcome.

Leopards will be without their right back, Tebogo Makobela, who was shown a red card in their previous game against JDR Stars at Soshanguve Giant Stadium. In his absence, players such as Tshepo Matsimbi, Thendo Mukumela, and Ndivhuwo “Segere” Ravhuhali are expected to step up and fill the gap on Saturday.

Black Leopards’ head coach, Mr. Maxwell Konadu, remains confident, stating that defeating Durban City was crucial for their promotion ambitions. He emphasised that Makobela’s absence should not be a significant setback, noting that the team had several seasoned players ready to take on the challenge.

Leopards are currently in sixth place with 11 points, trailing Durban City by four points. A win on Saturday would be essential in narrowing that gap and keeping their promotion hopes alive.

Date:25 October 2024

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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