Haunted by the prospects of facing the chop at the end of the season, Black Leopards produced a ‘Bull Dog Spirit’ to see of Kaizer Chiefs 2-0 in a Castle Premiership match at the Loftus Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Spurred by their last term victory, the presence of former Bidvest Wits University coach Boebie Solomons have added a lot of self-belief as Leopards played their hearts out.

They defended with verve and when they attacked, they were imperious especially hard-running and goalscorer Fisher Kondowe who tormented them with his defence-splitting passes and sublime movements off-the ball.

Chiefs, whose coach Kosta Papic has been given the mandate to ensure that the sleeping giant awakens, were not at their best but also give a good account of themselves. After starting brilliantly against Bloemfontein Celtic in his first match in charge, and drawing with Moroka Swallows last weekend, it was expected a better display will be on the offing but it was not to be.

Despite staring lively with winger Arthur Zwane in scintillating form, Chiefs failed to utilise ample of chances provided by the veteran winger whose jinxing and mazy runs were a marvel to watch.

With free-scoring Kaizer Motaung Jnr out with injury, injury-prone Rotson Kilambe was not at his best as could not combine well with striker Shaun Bartlett.

It took the hosts 20 minutes to provide a clear scoring chance when skipper Cyril Nzama failed to connect from Scara Ngoebse free-kick with Leopards defence in tatters.

From there, ‘Lidoda Duvha’ gleefully accepted the chance to start playing with more vigour and when veteran defender Patrick Mayo gifted offensive midfielder Fisher Kondowe a chance to put his side in the lead, the dreadlocked Malawian international was on hand to score with goalkeeper Rowen Fernandez well beaten in the 22nd minute.

Striker Myron Shongwe ruined a chance to give his side the lead when his clever shot hit the woodwork and with Leopards missing chances after chances, it was evident that lack of composure was their downfall and they stretched Chiefs to the limit.

Pint-sized Gerald Sibeko tried a thunderbolt but went wide to mark a disappointing first half for ‘Amakhosi’.

A tongue lashing from Chiefs charismatic coach saw Chiefs playing with more purpose but could not beat Leopards rearguard looking to move away from the brink of relegation.

Mayo, who was having one of his worst days, nearly cost the team again when he allowed Hlompho Kekana to beat him but Shongwe, with Fernandez to beat failed to capitilise.

The introduction of David Mathebula for Sibeko added some spice into Chiefs way of doing things and with Papic urging them to attack, Leopards could not hear a thing about it as they fought brilliantly.

From a Chiefs typical move, Obua was the villain when he missed a sitter four minutes later to the dismay of their handful fans.

Leopards were not done with Chiefs as they bulldozed their way like man possessed and when Solly Masongo headed home unmarked in the 74th minute, danger was looming for Chiefs as they recorded their first loss under the stewardship of Papic..

For Leopards, they need only one point to stave of relegation as they are on 29 points after 26 matches.

Chiefs (4-4-2): Rowen Fernandez, Jimmy Tau, Cyril Nzama, Patrick Mayo, David Obua, Derrick Spencer (Ditheko Mototo 60), Gerald Sibeko (David Mthebula 56), Emmanuel Ngobese, Arthur Zwane (Louis Agyemang 76), Rotson Kilambe , Shaun Bartlett

Coach: Kosta Papic

Leopards (4-4-2): Mashudu Mamphitha, Wanani Malaudzdi, Peter Mphonda, Mayasisilua Lubandzadio, Eric Ramavhale, Fisher Kondowe, Hlompho Kekana, Fernando Matola, Solly Masango (Robert Ng’ambi 82), Tebogo Mashaba (Thabiso Hlalele 75), Myron Shongwe (Luvhengo Mungomeni 89)

Coach: Schmidt-Hans Dieter

Referee: Peter Mabuza

Cautions: Mayo 42