Leopards have to stay in the winning habit

They might have got a win, but Black Leopards coach Morgan Shivambu (below) admitted that they found it very difficult against Ajax Cape Town following their 1-0 victory in the promotion/relegation playoff match at the FNB Stadium on Wednesday.

The Lidoda Duvha coach said it was important for them to beat Ajax, with the Mother City-based club having won their first game against Tshakuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM).

“It was a tough one. GladAfrica teams run for the whole 90 minutes. Our aim was to get a goal and start managing the game and that’s what we did if you look at the first 35 minutes. We did well and got the goal. They piled pressure on us but we managed the game very well, so well done to the guys,” said Shivambu.

“In the playoffs, it’s only four games. So, it’s important that you get three points in the first game, manage the second game and get (another) three points. If you check, Ajax were already on three points so we didn’t want to drop points there (lose or draw against Ajax), that’s why we went all out to get three points and we did well.”

Meanwhile, Urban Warriors coach Calvin Marlin was disappointed with the loss, especially with the amount of scoring chances his charges created.

“I thought we pretty much had the game under control for the most part. It was just that one poor decision on the ball which cost us the goal. After that we pressed, we had a lot of possession and some very good chances to score goals. If you don’t take your chances in football you’re not going to win matches,” said Marlin.

Ajax and Leopards are level on three points each, but Leopards lead the standings on goal difference, while Ajax who have played a game more.

TTM are bottom of the log, with the club yet to register any points. They play Leopards yomorrow at Bidvest Stadium. Kick off is at 3pm.