Kaizer Chiefs defender Inacio Miguel criticised after late Soweto Derby dismissal

Former Bafana Bafana defender Matthew Booth has criticised Kaizer Chiefs centre-back Inacio Miguel after the Angolan international was sent off in the final stages of Saturday’s Soweto Derby.

Orlando Pirates secured local bragging rights with a 2-1 victory over Kaizer Chiefs in front of a sold-out crowd at FNB Stadium, leaving Fernando da Cruz’s side to reflect on a damaging defeat.

Yanela Mbuthuma and Tshepang Moremi scored for Pirates, while Pule Mmodi’s goal could not prevent Amakhosi from losing their unbeaten run.

Miguel’s difficult afternoon ended deep into stoppage time when he received a second yellow card. His dismissal means he will miss Kaizer Chiefs’ next two matches and has created an immediate selection problem for Da Cruz.

Speaking during SuperSport TV’s ExtraTime analysis, Booth accepted that Miguel’s first booking had been harsh but said the defender’s later challenge was avoidable.

“I know exactly what type of player Miguel is,” Booth said.

“In English, you say ‘the red mist dawns on you’. Things are not going his way; it’s late in the game, the legs are tired. You are going to do silly things.

“Then the stadium is full, it’s a derby, and he is the type of player that is very competitive and, unfortunately, similar to Roy Keane back in the day, he can let those emotions get the better of him.

“I would expect an experienced player of his nature to just get a hold of his emotions.

“The first yellow was a little bit soft, I must say, but the second one was unnecessary considering he had been given the first one,” he added.

The suspension leaves Kaizer Chiefs needing to reorganise their defence before their next fixture, a Carling Knockout Cup quarter-final against Siwelele FC this weekend.

Rushwin Dortley, Thabo Moloisane and Zitha Kwinika are the defensive players who could be asked to take greater responsibility in Miguel’s absence, including the task of leading the back line.

For Da Cruz, the loss to Orlando Pirates and Miguel’s suspension have compounded what was already a disappointing night for the Naturena-based club.