Black Leopards head coach Mabhuti Khenyeza’s first match in charge ended in disappointment as Liḓoḓa Ḓuvha suffered a 1–0 defeat to Venḓa Football Club in the Venḓa Derby on Friday afternoon at the packed Ṱhohoyanḓou Stadium.
The decisive moment came in the 34th minute when Deolin Mekoa found the back of the net, handing Venḓa FC a valuable three points and denying Khenyeza a winning start to his tenure.
Leopards showed improved energy under their new coach but struggled to convert their chances, while Venḓa FC remained composed and disciplined to protect their narrow lead until the final whistle.
The victory lifted Venḓa FC to 6th place on the Motsepe Foundation Championship log standings, just five points behind log leaders Casric Stars. Black Leopards, meanwhile, remain in 14th position, now eight points adrift of their neighbours.
Both clubs now shift focus to their next fixtures on Saturday, 29 November, with matches kicking off at 15:30. Black Leopards travel for another Limpopo derby, this time against Baroka FC, while Venḓa FC return home to host Kruger United.
Khenyeza will be hoping to register his first win as Leopards coach in what promises to be another high-stakes provincial clash.