Hlungwani backs Orlando Pirates penalty call but says Sundowns spot-kick was wrong

Former PSL referee Victor Hlungwani says Abongile Tom was right to award Orlando Pirates a penalty in the MTN8 final, but believes the referee made an incorrect decision in giving Mamelodi Sundowns a spot-kick.

Mamelodi Sundowns beat Orlando Pirates 2-0 at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday to win the Wafa Wafa title for a fifth time.

The two penalty decisions were the main talking point after the final, with many questioning whether either incident was serious enough to warrant a spot-kick. Hlungwani, known as ‘The Principal’, has now offered his assessment of both calls.

He supported Tom’s decision to award Orlando Pirates a penalty after a challenge involving Mokoena and Mbuthuma.

“Mokoena there had shoulder-to-shoulder challenge and thereafter he extended his hand by pushing Mbuthuma,” Hlungwani said on Soccerzone.

“Correct decision by Abongile Tom to award the penalty.

“Look at the stretchered arm there. You don’t stretch the arm like this; if you do like this, this is pushing.

“So, referee will award a penalty. Correct decision by Abongile Tom.”

The Orlando Pirates penalty was not converted.

However, Hlungwani disagreed with the decision to award Mamelodi Sundowns a penalty, saying Siyanda Ndlovu committed two offences against Thapelo Mokobodi before the spot-kick was given.

“We see Ndlovu holding [Mokobodi],” he added.

“He [Ndlovu] then stamps on him as he’s trying to move even on the head. As he stamps on him [Mokobodi], an offence is committed.

“The player could not stand up because there’s a holding offence [on Mokobodi].

“Here, penalty was given. Incorrect decision because the referee missed the stepping on the hand by Ndlovu on Mokobodi.”