Posted in News on Nov 22, 2002.
AmaKhosi led 1-0 at half-time.
The energetic Pule set up David Radebe with a brilliant
back-heel pass and the former Free State Stars player made no
mistake beating a diving 'keeper Silver Tshabalala in the 20th
minute.
Leopards defender Thokozane Mnguni should have done better to
clear a threatening move inside the hosts area but surprisingly he
allowed Radebe to score.
Pule was back in the spotlight in the second half. He
impressively left two defenders wanting and, again, fed Radebe who
converted from the close range in the 70th minute completing his
brace.
Pule, who came out from rehabilitation a fort-night ago, was a
marvel to watch with his darting moves and impeccable passing in
the middle of the park.
It was a sweet victory for care-taker coaches Doctor Khumalo and
Ace Khuse, who registered their third win and a draw in their four
outings since taking over from the rested Muhsin Ertugral.
They guided AmaKhosi to their first win against Hellenic (1-0),
Ajax Cape Town (out of the Coca-Cola Cup) 1-0 and a 1-1 draw with
Ajax on Wednesday before humiliating Leopards in front of their
local fans.
Leopards' new coach Shepherd Murape made a dizzy debut after
taking over the reigns from coaches Augustine "Mthakathi"
Makalakalane and Antonio de Vivo.
Makalakalane and de Vivo were conspicuous by their absence on
the game and this fuelled speculation that the duo had been given
marching orders by the hard-to-please Leopards management.
The visitors took the match to the hosts and the spectators, who
came in droves, agreed after the game that the "Phefeni Glamour
Boys" deserved to win.
Leopards' clear chance came in the 43rd minute when Peter
Matshitse and 'keeper Brian Baloyi failed to communicate but
Jackonia Cibi could not capitalise.
Instead he fired a shot wide much to the disappointment of local
fans.
Both teams gave as much as they received in the second half and
in fact it was anybody's game up until the 76th minute when Radebe
grabbed the second goal for Chiefs.
Leopards had to wait until late in the game to reduce their
deficit through Christopher Netshidzivhi, who scored from the
penalty spot in the 86th minute.
This was after referee Jonas Nhlapo awarded Leopards a penalty
after Fabian McCarthy was adjudged to have rough-tackled Sibusiso
Dlamini inside the box.