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Sphelele Mkhulise of Leopards (right) in action after kicking the ball, while Mxolisi Kunene of Baroka is focused on the ball.

Heartbreak for Lidoda Duvha

 

Their 1-1 draw against Black Leopards in their promotional play-off game at the Thohoyandou Stadium last Saturday was good enough for Baroka to retain their Absa Premiership Division status.

Although Baroka needed at least a draw in the match to retain their status, they showed a great appetite for goals, far more than the home side in the first half.

Realizing that it was difficult for them to match the visitors, Leopards tried to neutralize them through hard tackles. The referee, Mr Chris Harrison, flashed the first yellow card in the 14th minute. Thivhavhudzi Ndou, the Leopards sweeper, was booked for a late tackle on Victor Letsoalo.

Baroka continued to fight as a collective, with their midfielders dishing out some telling passes to the goal poachers. Baroka’s goal came in the 28th minute. Victor Letsoalo was on target, following a heartbreaking scramble within the box. Baroka enjoyed the lead until the half-time whistle was blown.

Lidoda Duvha approached the last half with more self-confidence. The wheel of fortune turned against Baroka when they were reduced to 10 men in the 64th minute. Their centre forward, Victory Letsoalo, was given his marching orders, following an off-the-ball tackle on Jean Munganga.

The visitors started to play defensive football afterwards. That prompted the Leopards’ coach, Mr Jeff Losciuto, to replace a defender, Thivhavhudzi Ndou, with an attacking midfielder, Morgan Shivambu.

The hosts were awarded a penalty after Lebohang Mabotja was brought down within the box in the 74th minute. Siphelele Ntshangase made no mistake from the penalty spot. Leopards later replaced Mwape Musonda and Meshack Maphangule with Ivan Mahangwahaya and Siphelele Mkhulise respectively.

While Baroka were celebrating after the final whistle, it was time for the Leopards players to mourn.

Sport - Date: 22 June 2017

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Sphelele Mkhulise of Leopards (right) and Mduduzi Mdatsane of Baroka chase the ball.

The Leopards’ centre back, Jean Munganga, could not hold back his tears after the final whistle. He is being consoled by the team’s manager, Mr Elijah Mulaudzi.

Baroka’s keeper, Avhashoni Tshinuna, receives treatment after sustaining a knee injury.     

 

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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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