/ 21 February 2008

Leopards lurk at bottom of the table

Platinum Stars put Black Leopards deep into the relegation zone when they beat them 2-0 in their Absa Premier League game played at Olympia Park Stadium on Wednesday night.

The team from North West led 1-0 at the break in front of a small crowd of diehard supporters.

Former Pirates striker, Phumudzo Manenzhe opened the scoring in the 27th minute with a fine header.

The boys from Limpopo put up a good fight, but found their opponents in an uncompromising mood. In search of an equaliser, Leopards coach Boebie Solomons made a few changes but to no avail. Counterpart Miguel Gamondi also reinforced his team, but with better results.

A minute into the second half, referee Buyile Gubile gave Leopards’ striker Christopher Netshidzeivhe a red card for rough play on Stars’ midfielder Stanley Kgatla.

Stars capitalised on the situation and dominated play with their rearguard relaxing once Netshidzeivhe was no longer a threat.

Tsepo Ramokala put the nail in the coffin in extra time when he scored last goal of the match after a breaking through a one-on-one with the goalkeeper.

The going is getting tougher for Leopards at the bottom of the table with only 14 points from 18 games. Platinum Stars, from this win, move up from position 14 to 12 with 21 points. – Sapa