Black Leopards coach Owen Da Gama bemoaned his side’s wasteful finishing in front of goal as they lost 1-0 to Baroka in the Limpopo derby on Sunday at the Global Stadium.

According to the coach, the relegation-threatened team looked set to better their position on the Motsepe Foundation Championship table. But unfortunately, his players were unlucky to capitalize on their clear chances on the day.

Leopards squandered a host of glorious opportunities that could have won the derby and eventually, Bakgakga netted an only match goal, thanks to Sydney Malivha’s second half strike.

OWEN DA GAMA UNHAPPY WITH WASTEFUL FINISHING

The well-traveled coach was a bit of a disappointed man with his side’s profligacy and he lamented those missed chances that could have probably made a huge difference.

“They (players) have got to understand the created chances which is important, if we could have taken one or two of those chances, we would be speaking a different language now,” Da Gama told journalists.

“We played well against Casric Stars, we played well against Magesi. It’s getting better, but we couldn’t use our chances. But I think they have to take every game as a cup final from now on, every game is a cup final.

“The technical team is doing its best to get the best out of the players. The players are fighting, they are working very hard, but if you are unlucky with your chances, then it’s difficult.”

BLACK LEOPARDS WILL KEEP FIGHTING

The former Orlando Pirates coach has issued a stirring rallying cry as the season approaches its ending mark, insisting Lidoda Duvha will fight until the last day to stay in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.

“The games are getting fewer now, there are only 15 points to play at this moment and there is no one easy game in the NFD, it’s not easy,” Da Gama added.

“But we’ll keep on fighting, it’s encouraging when you create chances. It’s rather unfortunate for us, but we will keep on fighting as long as we can understand our limitations and strength. That’s very, very important.

“We have to keep soldiering on, It’s not over until it’s over, as simple as that, as long as players can show character.”

Leopards are at the bottom of the log with 18 points, with only five games to go. Their next assessment is 15th placed Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila. It will be 15th versus 16th when the two sides show off at the Malamulele Stadium on Sunday, 09 April. 

By Caliton Mabasa