Hlungwani says Mbuthuma should have seen red in MTN8 final

Former FIFA referee Victor Hlungwani says Orlando Pirates striker Yanela Mbuthuma should have been sent off for violent conduct during the MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns.

Sundowns won 2-0 at Moses Mabhida Stadium, with Teboho Mokoena scoring early before Iqraam Rayners secured the trophy with a stoppage-time penalty.

Speaking on SABC Sport’s Soccer Zone, Hlungwani highlighted a 77th-minute confrontation involving Mbuthuma and Sundowns forward Tashreeq Matthews. The incident followed a heated exchange between players that led to a mass confrontation on the pitch.

Hlungwani said Mbuthuma kicked Matthews while the Sundowns player was on the ground and criticised the referee for failing to issue a straight red card.

“Matthews is just walking; look at what Mbuthuma does… this is violent conduct,” Hlungwani said.

“You are not playing the ball, you are playing the man. Mbuthuma should have been sent off. He was not supposed to be in this match in the second half for what he has done to Tashreeq Matthews.”

The final also featured another contentious decision when Pirates were awarded a penalty after Mokoena challenged Mbuthuma. Gamphani Lungu took the spot-kick but failed to beat Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.

Despite the defeat, Pirates must quickly turn their attention back to the South African Premiership, with their next fixture scheduled for Tuesday, 13 October 2026.

The Buccaneers will host TS Galaxy F.C. at the Orlando Amstel Arena, with kick-off at 19:30, as they look to recover immediately from their cup-final loss.