Sipho Chaine praises referee Tom following controversial penalty call

Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine gave credit to referee Abongile Tom for how he handled the controversial penalty moment during the MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday night in Durban.

Tom denied Sundowns what seemed to be a penalty after Chaine kicked Lebohang Maboe inside the box in extra time at a sold-out Moses Mabhida Stadium.

A decision has also divided football fans with some arguing that Chaine was impeded by Peter Shalulile before he made the foul on Maboe.

The Buccaneers went on to win the match 3-1 via a penalty shootout to win their second MTN8 title in a row. The game had ended goalless after extra-time.

WHAT SIPHO CHAINE SAID ON ABONGILE TOM’S PENALTY DECISION

“I think we should also give credit to [the match officials],” said Chaine. “They had a good game and should also be given credit.

“It was a good call from him [Abongile Tom]. Even before I went in for the 50/50 ball or the challenge there was a foul on me which could have been picked up.

“That was a very great call from him. It wasn’t easy to see that if he wasn’t paying attention. So we should also give him credit for such games as today,” he said.

ORLANDO PIRATES KEEPER ON SAVING THREE PENALTIES IN MTN8 FINAL

“It was not as easy a game as we all know and saw. We were on the back foot coming into this game based on the previous results. But I think it worked for us coming to penalties and saving three of them.

“I am here to work for Orlando Pirates. Every time or chance that I get to represent the club,” added Chaine.

The Pirates keeper saved three penalties on the night from Bongani Zungu, Junior Mendieta, and Teboho Mokoena.

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