Ex-FIFA referee breaks down every controversial call in Chiefs vs Stellies match
Former FIFA referee Victor Hlungwani has broken down every controversial decision in the Nedbank Cup quarterfinal tie between Stellenbosch FC and Kaizer Chiefs.
The match, won 3-1 by Chiefs, ended in controversial fashion with the Winelands club feeling hard done at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Saturday.
Stellies coach Steve Barker refused to speak about the game in a post-match interview, instead highlighting incidents where his club had been “robbed” in cup competitions. His bone of contention was the second goal that his side conceded in the 94th minute. Barker felt his goalkeeper, Sage Stephens, had been fouled by George Matlou.
Interestingly, Hlungwani picks four moments where he feels the referee, Sikhumbuzo Gasa, may have gotten it wrong. It is worth noting that Gasa is the 2024 PSL Referee of the Season.
MOLOISANE PULL ON DU PREEZ
In the seventh minute, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo sent a through pass to Ashley Du Preez. The speedy striker, facing the goalkeeper, was pulled back by Thabo Moloisane. Eventually, he couldn’t reach the ball because of the pull. The former PSL ref believes a penalty and a yellow card should have been given.
“You can see there’s impeding there; a penalty should have been awarded [to Chiefs],” Hlungwani told SABC Sport. “The hand was used to impede…a yellow card should have been given [to Moloisane].”
HANDBALL BY TOURE
Exactly 10 minutes later, Gaston Sirino sent in a cross aimed at Glody Lilepo. Seeing he would not reach it with his hand, Ismael Toure used his hand to block the ball. While a penalty was awarded, Hlungwani believes it should have been accompanied by a yellow card.
“Penalty given correctly so … and a yellow card should have come out for Toure stopping a promising attack through a deliberate handball,” explained the chairperson of the Provincial Referees Committee.
SLAP BY TOURE ON SIRINO
The Ivorian defender, Toure, was at it again in the 38th minute, this time slapping Sirino on the face. The former international official classes it as “violent conduct using excessive force or brutality”.
“If he had received a yellow for the handball, he would have gotten another yellow and gone,” he adds.
MATLOU IMPEDING THE GOALKEEPER
The highly contentious moment was in the 94th minute. Mduduzi Shabalala’s corner was met by Pule Mmodi, who made no mistake, guiding the ball into the net. However, there seemed to be a push on Stellies goalie Sage Stephens by George Matlou.
“You can see the infringement. The goalkeeper must be protected,” said Hlungwani. “This wasn’t supposed to be given as a goal. It should not have been given.”
He went on to explain that Mmodi was not offside as some people have suggested.
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