Black Leopards claimed a 2-0 victory over a much-fancied Orlando Pirates side in a Premier Soccer League (PSL) match at Thohoyandou Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
An own-goal by Innocent Maela handed Lidoda Duvha the lead, before Roderick Kabwe doubled the hosts' advantage and the Buccaneers were unable to find the back of the net on the day.
Lidoda Duvha were desperate to end their five-match winless run in the league having drawn 1-1 with Stellenbosch FC away in their previous game on January 8.
Kabwe, Wiseman Maluleke and Tebogo Makobela were recalled to the starting line-up as coach Dylan Kerr made three changes to the team which faced Stellenbosch.
Meanwhile, Bucs were looking to win two matches in a row in the league for the second time this season having thrashed Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila 3-0 in their last game on January 13.
Next Match
Kerr's counterpart, Josef Zinnbauer, made one change to the starting line-up which took on Tshakhuma as Thulani Hlatshwayo replaced Paseka Mako in the team.
Lidoda Didoda got off to a bright start with Rodney Ramagalela forcing Pirates goalkeeper Wayne Sandilands into a great save and it was the hosts' first warning to the visitors.
Leopards pressed the Pirates defence which looked shaky and Innocent Maela came close to scoring an own goal as his header hit the upright and the ball went out for a corner-kick.
Maela then netted an own-goal from the resultant corner-kick as he headedKabwe's dangerous curling cross into the back of his own net to make it 1-0 to Leopards in the 29th minute.
Pirates tried to respond with a goal, but they were left vulnerable at the back and they were punished by Kabwe following a good move by the home side.
Ovidy Karuru played a backheel pass to Kabwe, who curled his effort into the bottom right corner, beating Sandilands hands down to make it 2-0 to Leopards in the 40th minute.
Pirates then suffered a blow as Ntsikelelo Nyauza went down injured and he was replaced by Happy Jele, but they were able to contain the hosts and the score was 2-0 to Leopards at the interval.
Zinnbauer pulled out right-back Wayde Jooste and he introduced versatile forward Terrence Dzvukamanja as the visitors looked to pull one back.
Dzvukamanja tried to make an immediate impact, but the Zimbabwe international's effort missed the target, before he placed his low shot inches wide, with Pirates dominating possession.
Kerr made a double substitution as he brought on Lefa Hlongwane and Mumuni Abubaker as the home side looked to regain control of the match.
Pirates were left vulnerable at the back whenever they pushed forward and they were nearly punished by Mohammed Anas, who was sent through on goal twice.
However, the Ghanaian striker was brilliantly denied by Sandilands on both occasions and ultimately, the game ended in a 2-0 victory in favour of Leopards.
The defeat saw Pirates remain fifth on the league standings ahead of their clash with Lamontville Golden Arrows which will be played on Wednesday at Orlando Stadium.
Leopards moved up to the 14th spot and they are now set to take on Cape Town City at Thohoyandou Stadium on Wednesday.
