Orlando Pirates controversially beat Stellenbosch 3-1 in the MTN8 final on Saturday to win a historic third consecutive title.
Stellies and the majority of South Africans were, however, not happy with officiating as Abongile Tom failed to order a retake after Relebohile Mofokeng restarted a free-kick outside the legal range, from which Tshegofatso Mabasa scored the vital second goal.
Kaizer Chiefs former winger Khanye Junior has now questioned the level of officiating in the country barely two weeks after another controversial officiating in the match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs in the Premier Soccer League.
He argues that with that kind of officiating, the country will suffer dire consequences in the future.
Abongile Tom and co. are killing South African football
“The likes of Abongile Tom should go to a mirror and look at themselves, You are killing SA football. We as a nation and I don’t care who says what, we are not going to improve,” Khanye told iDiski TV.
“I’m not a mini-God but if we are celebrating such things or encouraging it, as a country we are still far.
“I’m sure if they play the video of this game back for the referee, he will see he made a huge mistake because that goal hurt Stellenbosch players psychologically. It was towards the end of the game. With the players off the game like that, it allowed for them to concede the third goal. Goal number three was world class, one of the best goals from one of the best talents [Relebohile Mofokeng].
“One can argue that the standard of our football is nearer to some of the best, but I think that’s just only when it comes to resources. I won’t even blame Orlando Pirates but can referees be consistent because this is heartbreaking.
“I mean Steve Barker has worked hard, his players played so well, they were so fluid, and the game was balanced. To me at that moment it was anybody’s game but the referee allowing play to continue at a different spot ruined everything.”
The controversial calls have seen Sports Minister Gayton Mckenzie push for the introduction of VAR.
