Retired Fifa and CAF referee Victor Hlungwani has explained why referee Thando Ndzandzeka made the right call when he awarded Orlando Pirates the penalty against Sekhukhune United in the final of the Nedbank Cup, that saw the Buccaneers win by a 2-1 scoreline.
It was Pirates’ second trophy this season after they lifted the MTN8 cup earlier and Saturday’s win has been marred by controversy, especially after the penalty decision which has become a major talking point.
With Sekhukhune comfortably leading the match 1-0 and in control of the match, their striker Victor Letsoalo handled the ball inside the 18- area after Thembinkosi Lorch rolled the ball onto his arm.
Letsoalo was lying on the turf and seemingly extended his arm to grab the ball. Referee Thando Ndzandzeka pointed to the spot, much to chagrin of the Sekhukhune bench and supporters.
Tapelo Xoki cooly converted from the spot to make it 1-1 and that incident brought Bucs back in the game.
Hlungwani, who was at the stadium, explained the referee’s decision: “I don’t understand what Letsoalo was trying to do. Whatever he was doing was not clever,” said Hlungwani who was dressed to the nines.
“He extended his arm and it moved towards the ball and he grabbed the ball. The law says it’s an offence if a player touches the ball deliberately with his hands or arms.
“The referee made the right decision, even if the player was lying down. He should not have moved his body or his arms to stop the ball.
“The Pirates player (Lorch) intentions may have not been good but the Sekhukhune player committed an offence and grabbed the ball. It’s not me, it’s the law.”
Sekhukhune coach Brandon Truter declined to comment on the matter and said that he was furious after the incident and said that he was proud of his players.
Pirates coach Jose Riveiro said that from where he was standing, he was not in a good position to give a fair judgement on the penalty.
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