LIMPOPO – Angry fans of the Black Leopards stopped the team’s chairperson, David Thidiela, on his way out of the Thohoyandou Stadium on Sunday.
After Lidoda Duvh lost 2-0 against Cape Town All Stars the fans demanded that Thidiela’s office probe why the technical team doesn’t give midfielder, Meshack Maphangule more playing time.
“We support this team and we can’t pay our money to watch a disorganised pattern,” echoed the angry fans in unison.
Black Leopards’ assistant coach, Joel Masutha, said PSL rules dictate teams to field five players under the age of 23 years on the first eleven.
“Maphangule is a good player but he is older than 23 years and that is why he is a substitute in almost all the games. The PSL rules are binding, but Maphangule will get his chance,” he promised.
“In the Sunday game he came in on the second half and played well. He showed character and we should accept the blame for fielding him late,” Masutha acknowledged .
He also blamed the strikers for not using opportunities. “Our strikers, Thembi Nevhulamba, Roggert Nyundu and Morgan Shivambu, got plenty chances to kill All Stars, but they missed it in the first half. We can’t blame the muddy ground, we should have done better. Losing at home adds more pressure on players.”
He emphasised the importance of next Saturday’s game when the club is hosting FC Cape Town in the Thohoyandou Stadium.
“We must win that game. We are requesting our fans to be calm. The team is till strong and we are going to win,” Masutha assured fans.
“We have moved from the second position to the fifth with seven points,” he added.
All stars found the back of the net in the 20th minute through Thapelo Mathibe and the wrapping goal was scored by Stanley Makgoka in the 69th minute after a scramble on the box and keeper Avhashoni Tshinuna diving too late.
Cape Town All Stars coach, Daniel Malesela, was happy with the results, especially because it was a win in a away game.
He said his 4-3-3 pattern is clearly working for his boys.
“We are shining on top of the league with 12 points and have to keep the momentum,” added Malesela.
