Black Leopards retained their top-flight status with a hard-fought 2-0 win over Ajax Cape Town in a decisive Premier Soccer League (PSL) Promotion Playoff decider at the Rand Stadium on Friday.
Leopards got off to the perfect start from a corner-kick in the 14th minute after defender Isaac Masia gave the visitors the lead when he rose highest at the near post to guide the ball home.
The Urban Warriors missed a glorious opportunity to equalise just before the break as Dale Wakefield pushed his effort wide from just inside the area.
The score remained unchanged as Leopards went into the half-time break holding a 1-0 advantage.
Goalkeeper King Ndlovu pulled off a couple of acrobatic saves just after the break with the latter coming in the 49th minute from a powerful Khaya Mfecane shot from 25-yards out.
Ajax CT held the upper hand in large spells during the second half as they went in search of a much-needed win in their fight for promotion as Leopards were happy to sit back and soak up the pressure.
Dangerman Mwape Musonda struck the killer blow for Leopards as he stroked the ball home to double the visitors' lead in the 78th minute to make it 2-0 somewhat against the run of play.
Despite searching for a late fightback Ajax fell short with a win for Black Leopards meaning that they retain their top-flight status for next season with a game to spare.