Victor Hlungwani backs Orlando Pirates goal in Sekhukhune United win

Former PSL referee Victor Hlungwani says Orlando Pirates’ winning goal against Sekhukhune United was correctly awarded and should not have been ruled offside.

Mpho Padime scored the only goal of the match as the defending champions secured their fourth victory in all competitions against Babina Noko, booking their place in the Carling Knockout Cup at Orlando Amstel Arena this past weekend.

The decision prompted considerable debate on social media after the final whistle, although replays showed Padime was in an onside position when he finished.

Hlungwani praised referee Eugene Mdluli for making the correct call and allowing the goal to stand. He also explained why Tshepang Moremi’s involvement did not result in an offside offence.

“Padime is onside, [Tshepang] Moremi is onside, they’ve got every right to challenge for the ball. Unless they were from an offside position,” Hlungwani said on Soccerzone.

“As the cross comes in there, you’ll see he [Moremi] is jumping, so as he’s jumping, he did not play the ball.

“When he does not play the ball, the ball goes to Padime who was not in an offside position from when the ball was crossed.

“So, correct decision by the referee to award the goal in this situation.”