Leopards in must-win clash

Gift Links of Cape Town City tackled by Marks Munyai of Black Leopards during the Absa Premiership 2018/19 football match between Cape Town City FC and Black Leopards at Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town on 11 November 2018 ©Chris Ricco/BackpagePix

by BackPageTXT

Friday May 10, 2019. 13:12

Black Leopards will be fighting for their Absa Premiership survival when they host Cape Town City at Thohoyandou Stadium on 11 May 2019, kick-off at 15h00.

Leopards have gone seven matches without a win following their 1-1 draw away to AmaZulu on May 4. The result saw the Limpopo side drop into the relegation playoff berth (though only on goal difference, they are level on points with Free State Stars and Chippa United).

Lidoda Duvha have claimed 19 points from 14 home matches this season, with their last result as hosts a 2-1 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns in late April.

City saw their mathematical chances of winning the title ended when they could only draw 2-2 at home to Orlando Pirates on May 4. However, the Cape side are guaranteed to finish in the top four and could yet edge ahead of Bidvest Wits in third.

The Citizens have claimed 18 points from 14 away matches this season, with their last result on the road a 2-0 win at Chippa United in late April.

In head-to-head stats, Leopards and City have met in just one previous top-flight match: that encounter took place earlier this season (at Cape Town Stadium in November 2018) and saw the Cape side claim a 3-1 home win thanks to goals from Ayanda Patosi, Allan Kateregga and Siphelele Mthembu.

Leopards’ line-up from their 1-1 draw with AmaZulu on May 4: Ndlovu, Zulu, Katjiukua, Masia, Ng’ambi (Nene74'), Mokoena, Bereng, Mudau, Musonda, Mahangwahaya (Mhlongo 58'), Khutlang (Hlongwane 64').

City’s line-up from their 2-2 draw with Pirates on May 4: Leeuwenburgh, Edmilson, Cupido, Feiles, Mkhize, Mokeke, Kewuti, David (Norodien 81'), Links, Martin, Mthembu (Roberts 70').