”The first goal is an offside and the second goal is also offside, I don’t need to be explained to, I studied the laws of the game very well,” these were the words of an irate Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena following controversial referee calls which saw his side drop two points against Moroka Swallows.
Mokwena shared his disappointment on the high level of poor officiating by South African referees becoming a norm in the PSL following his side 2-2 draw against the Dube Birds at Dobsonville Stadium on Monday night.
This comes after Gabadinho Mhango who was in an offside position scored an equaliser in the 84th minute after a long ball was played and it was headed his way by Sundowns defender Divine Lunga and referee Jelly Chavani allowed the goal. Mokwena stated that both of the home side’s goals were offside.
Speaking during the post-match press conference, Mokwena expressed his dissatisfaction on the referees’ incorrect decisions that have had a negative impact on the outcome of the games for his side as well as other teams. He further explained that such bad calls negatively affect the image of South African football as our league games are watched across the globe.
“For me, it’s two things, what does this do to South African Football? Worldwide, I have people who watch Mamelodi Sundowns every single game. What do you think is their perception of South African football? That’s the biggest thing. It’s not about me. The game is going to live beyond me and what happens to the image and reputation of South African football?”
Mokwena also questioned the lack of a number of South African referees officiating on international matches including friendlies and CAF Champions League reflecting the lacklustre standard of their officiating.
“How many of our referees are doing international games? And why are they not doing international games? And just as much as we want to be represented by players internationally and all that. World Cup, who’s gone? And for how many years we have had Zakhele (Siwela) always representing us, we’ve had (Abongile) Tom, who is coming from there after?”
The coach further explained that he feels sorry for relegation-threatened teams who are in dire need of points as such bad calls can be a decision factor as to whether the team survive or get relegated and that the coaches and players jobs are put at risk.
“Every week, coaches must complain about officials. Ernst Middendorp was complaining, I feel sorry for AmaZulu FC, I feel sorry for Polokwane City FC, I feel sorry for Cape Town Spurs, I feel sorry for teams that are at the bottom because now we give points through the referees.”
“I’m not as important as the game; I’m not as important as the other clubs because these other clubs are fighting for their lives. And then Richards Bay will get relegated by one point, and the coach of Richards Bay will get fired because the team is relegated.”
Masandawana are gearing up for their CAF Champions League Semifinal first leg against Esperance Tunis taking place in Tunisia on Saturday 20 April.
Written by Siphesihle Soni