Orlando Pirates captain Innocent Maela has admitted he feels sorry for Stellenbosch FC over the refereeing decision that swung the MTN8 final in his team’s favour.
Pirates claimed a third straight MTN8 crown following a 3-1 victory against Stellenbosch on Saturday but there were contentious decisions that have overshadowed their win.
The Buccaneers had come from behind to level matters but in added time, they got a freekick following a foul just outside the box and Jose Riveiro’s men took it quickly, Relebohile Mofokeng passing the ball to Tshegofatso Mabasa, who scored for 2-1.
Why does Maela feel sorry for Stellenbosch?
However, the freekick was taken metres away from where the foul took place with Stellies players having not been prepared to defend it, but the referee allowed the goal to stand, to the disappointment of Steve Barker and his men as well as fans.
“You have to look at it both ways. Right now, I am sitting here as an Orlando Pirates player and you can’t complain because the decision helped us win the match,” said Maela.
“If I was a Stellenbosch player, I understand why they feel the way they feel. When you look at it on the video after the game, there is a little bit of distance between where the foul happened but I am not really sure or accustomed to the rules of the game.”
Pirates captain still not happy with officiating
However, while he understands Stellenbosch’s pain, Maela says Pirates were also on the wrong end of the referee’s decisions.
“Maybe the referee knows better than us but not only that moment, when you look at the whole game, there were some decisions that went against us. The first goal, the throw-in, the guy took the ball and walked closer to our box area,” he added.
“But the referees are human they make mistakes but I am sitting here victorious, MTN8 champion, can’t complain too much. However, I do understand why our opponents feel the way they feel.”
