Former PSL referee Victor Hlungwani has weighed in on the dubious Nedbank Cup final penalty at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday. Orlando Pirates were crowned Champions after a 2-1 win over Sekhukhune United.
But the victory was marred by a penalty controversy just before the halftime break. Sekhukhune United had taken a 1-0 lead via a Sibusiso Vilakazi goal. But there was drama and chaos after PSL referee Thando Ndzandzeka awarded Pirates a penalty for their equaliser.
DUBIOUS PENALTY AT NEDBANK CUP FINAL
Sekhukhune striker Victor Letsoalo who had collided with Pirates forward Terrence Dzvukamanja and lying down was adjudged to have handled the ball. But what was also embarrassing was the Unsportsmanlike behaviour of Pirates forward Thembinkosi Lorch. Lorch intentionally kicked the ball towards a helpless Letsoalo intending to hit his hands.
Hlungwani, who now works as an analyst for SABC Sport, says the match official got it right with the decision.
“The law says it’s an offence if a player deliberately touches the ball with their hands or arms. So now you saw the hands moving towards the ball, that’s number one. Number two, the ball made contact with the fingertips. So a handball offence has been committed, that is law,” said Hlungwani.
“It’s not me, it’s the law. So a handball offence has been committed and the correct penalty decision was taken. Whether he is lying down or he is up, what we check is did the hands move towards the ball.”
BRANDON TRUTER REFUSES TO COMMENT ON ORLANDO PIRATES SPOTKICK
Meanwhile, Sekhukhune United coach Brandon Truter has refused to be drawn into the incident.
“No, no comment on that. If I go into talks now they will say I am sounding bitter and I don’t want to go there, so congratulations to Pirates, said Truter.
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