Hlungwani says Mbuthuma’s Soweto Derby opener should have been ruled out

Former FIFA referee Victor Hlungwani says Yanela Mbuthuma’s goal in the Soweto Derby should not have counted, while Orlando Pirates were also fortunate not to have midfielder Simphiwe Selepe sent off against Kaizer Chiefs.

The historic rivals met in front of a sold-out FNB Stadium on Saturday, with Pirates claiming all three points after a three-goal match that included several contentious refereeing decisions.

Mbuthuma put Pirates ahead in the first half before Pule Mmodi brought Kaizer Chiefs level. Tshepang Moremi then scored the winning goal in a contest that had appeared likely to finish as a draw.

Chiefs completed the match with 10 men after Inacio Miguel was shown a second yellow card and dismissed.

Reviewing the key incidents on SoccerZone on Monday, Hlungwani said Mbuthuma had been in an offside position when he scored the opening goal.

“Mbuthuma is on the line, Miguel’s leg is outside the line; therefore, that puts Mbuthuma in an offside position,” Hlungwani said.

“So Mbuthuma here is offside; this goal was not supposed to stand. But you know they say if you are in doubt, give the benefit to the attacking team, but the correct decision is offside.”

The former referee also argued that Pirates should have been reduced to 10 players because of Selepe’s repeated fouls.

He said the referee had made the wrong decision by allowing the midfielder to remain on the pitch, adding: “So incorrect a decision by the referee not to give a red card.”

Pirates, however, were not the only side Hlungwani believed had suffered because of an officiating error.

He said Oswin Appollis’ goal had been incorrectly ruled out for offside, with Kaizer Chiefs defender Siyabonga Kwinika playing the attacker onside.

“We have Kwinika there putting Appollis onside. So this goal was scored in line with the FIFA laws of the game. A goal should have been allowed,” Hlungwani concluded.

The result ended Chiefs’ unbeaten run, while Mbuthuma and Moremi were the Pirates scorers in a victory that secured the visitors three points from the Soweto Derby.