Leopards coach has not lost hope

FUTURE IMPERFECT: Abbas Amidu, right, of Black Leopards and Ramahlwe Mphahlele of Mamelodi Sundowns in action during their Absa Premiership match at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Tuesday night.Photo: Gallo Images
FUTURE IMPERFECT: Abbas Amidu, right, of Black Leopards and Ramahlwe Mphahlele of Mamelodi Sundowns in action during their Absa Premiership match at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Tuesday night.Photo: Gallo Images

DESPITE staring relegation in the face, Black Leopards coach Sunday Chidzambwa is putting on a brave face at the back end of his side's dismal league campaign.

With a crushing 5-2 Absa Premiership loss at the hands of Mamelodi Sundowns in Polokwane on Tuesday, Leopards remained firmly rooted to the foot of the table. "We won't give up until the final game. You never know what will happen," Chidzambwa said.

Leopards conceded two goals inside 10 minutes, and another after half an hour. "I think we got it all wrong today, defensively and offensively. We were very disorganised, especially in the first half."

The result also marked the eighth home defeat of the season for Leopards. With two matches remaining, Lidoda Duvha are one point behind Chippa United and four behind Ajax Cape Town.

Faced with the prospect of playing Orlando Pirates and Free State Stars in their remaining fixtures, Chidzambwa did concede the future for his side looked grim. "These things happen in football. It's not our year and we just have to live with it. I think we have to try and play well in the upcoming fixtures."

Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane, meanwhile, was not totally pleased with the performance of his charges.

"There's no team that creates as many chances as this team," said Mosimane.

"Today we took many chances and we scored five goals, but I have to be honest, I was not happy with the play."

Mosimane cited the 2-1 league win over Free State Stars in their previous match as a more pleasing turnout by his troops.

"Our game against Stars was much better. [Against Leopards] we got carried away a little bit and we allowed them to score two goals."

The former Bafana Bafana coach, however, said he could not be too harsh when his side had scored so many goals in the game. "But what else do you want when you score five goals? It's a good win."

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.