Birds fight back to hold Leopards

KOSTA Papic admitted that his side could have been a little more clinical in front of goal, given the number of chances they had in their NFD clash against Moroka Swallows at the weekend.

Black Leopards were held to a 1-1 draw at Dobsonville stadium on Saturday, after Ileni Lebyane scored an equaliser early in the second period for the Dube Birds to keep them in the game.

Papic said he was pleased with his side’s overall performance, although a win would have been much preferred.

“We came here for three points, but unfortunately things didn’t go our way,” Papic said. “We created a whole lot of chances, especially in the last few minutes of the game, but that’s football ball for you.

“We need to win more games if we are to see ourselves playing in the PSL next season,” he added.

Moroka Swallows coach Ian Gorowa, meanwhile, admitted as well that he was also disappointed with a draw, however, said that it was a good start building up to their remaining fixtures for 2016.

“It’s very disappointing as well but what can you do,” Gorowa said.

“We started the encounter very badly and I think that’s why they were able to score that goal early in the game. Our performance was a bit better in the second period though.

“I just told the boys that they should go out there and play for their lives during our halftime, and they did just that.

“I made them aware that Swallows is a big club and that we cannot afford to continue losing games like this, as this was the case in 2015.

“I’m happy with how they responded. This could be a sign for better things to come.

“Hopefully we’ll produce a win in our upcoming fixture (against Milano United this Sunday). Consistency is very crucial though, if we are to see ourselves doing well in the league this season.”