Leopards held goalless by Stellies as relegation fears deepen

Black Leopards suffered another blow in their hopes of DStv Premiership survival after being held to a 0-0 draw by Stellenbosch FC at the Thohoyandou Stadium in Limpopo on Wednesday.  

The result did neither team any favours and while a point moved bottom-placed Leopards closer to safety, they still sit five points behind Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila, who have played two games less, in 14th spot.

As for the Maroons, the draw does their hopes of a top-eight finish in the 2020-21 season little good as they remain in 12th place.  

Stellies threatened early on through Ashley du Preez who raced onto a pin-point pass from Nathan Sinkala, but the forward was well matched by Jonas Mendes in the Leopards goal.  

In the 33rd minute, Lidoda Duvha finally conjured a shot at goal as Rodrick Kabwe let fly a trademark free-kick but Sage Stephens made a good save.  

Phathutshedzo Nange was eager to make his mark on the game against his former employers but with only Mendes to beat five minutes after the break, he could only succeed in finding the Guinea-Bissau shot-stopper who was quick off his line.  

Leopards ended the game brightly and applied considerable pressure on the Stellenbosch goal in the closing minutes, but with no reward as the two teams ultimately settled for a point apiece.  

Both teams will be in action on Saturday with Stellies returning home to face Bloemfontein Cetlic while Lidoda Duvha will welcome SuperSport United in the Limpopo province.  

Black Leopards (0) 0
Stellenbosch FC (0) 0  

Black Leopards: Mendes; Mashoene, Nthatheni, Gyimah, Matsimbi (Sampson 65'), Mthethwa (Abubakar 65'), Maluleke (Mokoena 77'), Kabwe, Ramagalela (Thutlwa 81'), Karuru, Anas (Mathenjwa 65').  

Stellenbosch FC: Stephens; Van Heerden, De Goede, Robertson (Mthethwa 85'), Macheke, Sinkala (Adams 75'), Nange, Jabaar (Scott 85'), Van Rooyen, Du Preez (Skelem 75'), Dimgba (Mendieta 63').