POLOKWANE – Polokwane City enjoyed home ground advantage as they took Black Leopards to the cleaners with a convincing 3-1 victory, taking them to fifth spot on the log.
The number of supporters was at least three times more for Polokwane City, than for the Black Leopards team. Rise and Shine dominated the opening minutes and were unlucky not to get ahead.
Leopards however looked threatening with their crosses in to the box, and took advantage with an excellent header by Musonda Mwape in the 27th minute.
City equalised in the last gasp of added time in the first half with a shot by Puleng Tlolane, ending his one-year goal drought. Rise and Shine were not done yet and netted another two times, with goals by Mpho Mvelase and a late goal by Mohammed Anas.
Leopards had a late chance in the 90th minute to inspire a fight-back, but didn’t capitalise from within the box.
No fewer than five yellow cards, three for Leopards and two for Polokwane City, showed just how physical the game was and that the intensity was just as visible on the field, as in the stands.
The loss sees Black Leopards stay down in 12th position, luckily for them with two games in hand over most of the teams.
Black Leopards are second from the bottom with 25 points, playing a total of 23 games, winning six, drawing seven and losing 10.
Polokwane City are level on points with Cape Town City, but have lost one more game, winning 10, drawing 10 and losing five.