Mokoena reveals message to referee after Sundowns survive Pirates penalty

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Mokoena has revealed what he told referee Abongile Tom after Ronwen Williams saved Orlando Pirates’ penalty in the MTN8 final.

Sundowns were leading 1-0 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday when Mokoena appeared to bring down Yanela Mbuthuma inside the area in the 60th minute.

With the possibility of Pirates equalising from the spot, Ghampani Lungu took responsibility for the penalty. Williams kept out the attempt, preserving Sundowns’ advantage and allowing Miguel Cardoso’s side to remain in control of the final.

Mokoena, who had scored Sundowns’ opening goal early in the first half, said he expressed his relief directly to Tom after Williams’ save.

“I just said to Mr Ref, God is great,” Mokoena told SuperSport TV.

The goal was Mokoena’s second of the tournament and helped set Sundowns on course for a 2-0 victory.

Sundowns eventually secured the win in added time after they were awarded a penalty of their own. Iqraam Rayners converted the spot-kick to confirm the result and deliver the Wafa Wafa trophy to the club for the first time since 2021.

The victory also gave Sundowns their second piece of silverware this season. They had won the FIFA Africa-Asia- Pacific trophy last month.