Black Leopards secured a 2-1 win over Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila in the PSL promotional/relegation playoffs match at the FNB Stadium on Monday afternoon.
The win saw Lidoda Duvha end their successful playoffs campaign with a victory as they retained their status in the top-flight league.
While Vhadau Vha Damani lost all of their matches in the playoffs, but they will be campaigning in the PSL next season after purchasing Bidvest Wits’ top-flight status.
Vhadau Vha Damani threatened first through Molibedi Mokoena, who was brilliantly denied by Leopards goalkeeper Jonas Mendes a few minutes into the match.
Lidoda Duvha then took control of the match and they broke the deadlock through Themba Ndlovu, who beat his marker, before scoring to make 1-0 to Leopards in the 18th minute.
The hosts came close to doubling their lead following a mistake by Simon Mamudzidi in the 20th minute, but the Tshakhuma keeper recovered well and denied debutant Tebogo Modiba.
Leopards were awarded an indirect free-kick in a promising area after Themba Ndlovu was fouled with the half-time break fast approaching.
Tumelo Khutlang set-up Thabiso Mokoena from the set-piece and the latter unleashed a powerful low shot which went narrowly wide of the target.
The score was 1-0 to Leopards at the interval in the Limpopo Derby clash.
Vhadau Vha Damani started the second-half brightly with Mokoena’s low effort being blocked on the goal-line by Thabiso Mokoena as the visitors looked to restore parity.
Rotshidzwa Muleka, who had replaced Mendes at half-time, came off his line rushing to deny Thembisani Nevhulamba a few minutes before the hour-mark.
Tshakhuma then lost their goalkeeper Mamudzidi after he picked up an injury after the hour-mark and he was replaced by Nhlanhla Ntwa.
The debutant goalkeeper was called into action and he produced a fine low save to deny Themba Ndlovu, who was looking to grab his brace.
However, Ndlovu was not to be denied in the 83rd minute as he controlled the ball well in the box, before firing past Ntwa to make it 2-0 to Leopards.
Tshakhuma were awarded a late penalty after Nevhulamba was fouled in the box and Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo netted from the spot-kick, but Leopards held on to their lead and ultimately, they won 2-1.
Leopards (1) 2 (T.Ndlovu 18′, 83′)
Tshakhuma (0) 1 (Ndlondlo 90’+3)
Leopards: Mendes (Muleka 46′), Mashoane, Mokoena (Andrianarimanana 86′), Douhadji, Ndou, Khutlang, T.Ndlovu, X.Ndlovu (Thutlwa 74′), Mdawonde, Modiba, Makgetlwa.
Tshakhuma: Mamudzidi (Ntwa 61′), Makgopa, Dzaga, Mandlazi (Mbandlwa 52′), Nhlapo, Thangwane, Khumalo, Moremedi (Mabotja 52′), Nhlongo (Ndlondlo 52′), Mokoena (Ndebele 82′), Nevhulamba.
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