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Brazilians too hot for Eguavoen

By Festus Abu,with agency report

Augustine Eguavoen began his bid to save the Black Leopards from relegation on a sour note when the team slumped 3-0 at home to Mamelodi Sundowns in their South African Premier League match at Thohoyandou Stadium on Wednesday.

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The Limpopo club managed to curtail the forays of the opponents in the goalless first half but Eguavoen‘s tactics failed to stop the Brazilians.

The Brazilians staged a second half onslaught after a pep talk from former Bafana Bafana coach Trott Moloto who came in for Gordon Igesund.

The return of pacy right-back Vuyo Mere from injury and Mbulelo Mabizela added more power upfront and confused the Leopards.

Moloto, sensing a win, replaced the tiring captain Michael Manzini with Mabizela in the 43rd minute. It was Mabizela‘s first game after being away for some time.

Former Free State Stars midfielder Fanyana Dhladhla scored the first goal in the 68th minute from a throw-in by Mere as Sundowns started to gel.

Their prolific striker, Lerato Chabangu, struck a great shot in the 78th minute to score Sundowns‘ second goal, giving the Leopards‘ keeper no chance.

The Brazilians were now in top gear and proved, beyond doubt, that they have finally found their footing since Moloto took charge from Igesund.

And, as if it was not enough, attacking midfielder, Surprise Moriri , added another insult to Leopards, scoring the third goal for Sundowns, six minutes before the end of regulation time.

At the end, it was sweet revenge for Sundowns as Leopards had beaten them 2-1 in their first encounter through striker Fisher Gondwe‘s brace.

Sundowns were ecstatic in the end with their three points, as their tally of 29 gives them a fighting chance to finish in the top eight. While Leopards, with just four wins and 15 points, are still languishing in bottom place with near certain relegation.