Shivambu’s dad no fan of his goal for Leopards

MORGAN Shivambu got the silent treatment from his heartbroken father on Saturday night after the Black Leopards man played a key role in Kaizer Chiefs’ demise in the Nedbank Cup.

“My father only spoke to me the day after the game [Sunday]. He is a Chiefs fan.

“He likes Chiefs too much,” the former Moroka Swallows midfielder said.

He scored the opening goal in Lidoda Duvha’s 2-1 victory over Amakhosi at FNB Stadium.

“He said: ‘Congratulations,’ and he told me where I need to improve, because he used to play soccer.

“It’s football. He understands that these things happen.”

Shivambu, 32, who feels Amakhosi underestimated Leopards by fielding a second-string squad, has three months left on his contract with Lidoda Duvha.

He believes another good run in the Nedbank Cup could earn him a contract in the top flight.

In 2008, he impressed in this competition while at National First Division side Winners Park, scoring goals against African Warriors and Bidvest Wits before going on to sign for Swal- lows and later Platinum Stars.

This year he has already found the back of the net against FC Cape Town and Chiefs.

He will be the man to watch when Leopards host First Division rivals Vasco da Gama in the quarterfinals next month.

“This competition means a lot to me.

“When I was at Winners Park I scored against Warriors and Wits. Then I signed for Swallows.

“This year I have scored against Maluti and Chiefs.

“I believe I can get another chance in the PSL if I continue to work hard,” he said.

After a slow start to the season, Leopards have turned things around in the First Division and have a good chance of qualifying for the end of season playoffs.

They are in sixth place, seven points behind second-placed Thanda Royal Zulu and just five behind third-placed Jomo Cosmos with eight matches to play.

The sides that finish second and third qualify for the playoffs.