Mokwena bites his tongue over referees after Sundowns’ MTN8 final defeat

Officiating in the PSL has once again come under heavy scrutiny after the MTN8 final between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns in Durban.

The dreaded lottery of penalties decided the final, with the Buccaneers winning the tie 3-1 after the match ended goalless.

Those associated with The Brazilians will feel aggrieved after having two penalty appeals not awarded by referee Abongile Tom.

The first contentious call was a handball by Bandile Shandu inside his own box. Sipho Chaine’s tackle on Lebohang Maboe wasn’t penalised either as Tom blew the whistle against Peter Shalulile for a prior foul on the goalkeeper.

Both decisions are under the microscope on social media and Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena was upset with the turn of events. 

He deflected all questions about refereeing for fear of being brought to book by the PSL for bringing the league into disrepute.

“I hope that discussion (about referees) will be on Monday. I will be watching and listening,” Mokwena said candidly before refusing to elaborate further.

“No, I have to bite my tongue. I have to try very hard to bite my tongue.

‘The universe has no budget for pity parties’

“We let our supporters down and the club for sure. We feel it and we apologise for that and we march on. The universe has no budget for pity parties and there’s no time to feel sorry for ourselves.

“We have to pick ourselves up, be strong and continue to move forward. We have a lot of trophies to play for and a lot of games to win so we will bounce back.”

The 36-year-old coach reflected on the entertaining draw that didn’t quite live up to its billing at a windy Moses Mabhida Stadium.

“Let’s start by congratulating Orlando Pirates for being crowned champions. I think it’s only proper,’’ he said.

“Let’s also mention how proud we are of our players. It was a gallant effort and against all odds we tried, we created incredible chances. We had very good situations with Themba Zwane, Peter Shalulile and Marcelo Allende. Pirates I think had one chance and it was the (Monnapule) Saleng situation so I’m very proud of the players.”

Masandawana will resume their DStv Premiership campaign against Moroka Swallows on October 29 after the Fifa International break.