Black Leopards endured a nightmare start to their Motsepe Foundation Championship campaign after being forced to play with just ten men in their season opener against Casric Stars at the Ṱhohoyanḓou Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Administrative hurdles around player registrations left Lidoda Duvha short-handed, with no registered goalkeeper available for selection. In an unusual twist, club captain and defender Thendo Mukumela was handed the gloves and stood in as a makeshift goalkeeper.
The brave stand from Mukumela and his teammates, however, was not enough to stop a ruthless Casric Stars, who ran out 3-0 winners in front of a stunned home crowd. The visitors capitalised on Leopards’ vulnerability, netting twice in the first half before sealing the result with a late third.
Supporters who filled the stands had hoped for a promising start to the new campaign, but instead witnessed their side struggle under extraordinary circumstances. Leopards, who are fighting to restore their top-flight status, now face pressure both on and off the pitch to sort out their registration challenges before their next fixture.
Despite the setback, Mukumela earned praise from the fans for stepping up when the team needed him most, showing leadership even in adversity.
For Leopards, though, the 3-0 defeat serves as a harsh reminder that administrative readiness is just as crucial as tactical preparation in the demanding Motsepe Foundation Championship.