ROBBERY AT MOSES MABHIDA: Controversial Penalty Ruins Pirates

Junior also questioned the second penalty, which was awarded to Sundowns in stoppage time after Thapelo Mokobodi was penalised for an incident involving Siyanda Ndlovu.

The analyst argued that Ndlovu had lost possession rather than being prevented from playing the ball, making the referee’s decision difficult for him to understand.

“The second one was also soft. I don’t understand why it was a penalty because Ndlovu lost the ball, he wasn’t obstructed; he lost the ball,” he said.

Junior further suggested that the referee might have been attempting to compensate for the earlier penalty awarded to Pirates.

“I think the referee was trying to rectify his blunder from the first penalty,” he added.

The two decisions came at crucial moments in the final, with both having the potential to influence the result. Pirates were awarded their penalty around the 59th minute after Teboho Mokoena was penalised for a challenge on Yanela Mbuthuma. However, Gamphani Lungu failed to convert, with Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams producing an important save.

Sundowns subsequently maintained their advantage before receiving a penalty in stoppage time. Rayners stepped up and converted to secure the victory.

The Brazilians won 2-0 at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, 10 October 2026, with Mokoena opening the scoring in the 11th minute before Rayners sealed the result from the spot. The victory ended Pirates’ reign as MTN8 champions and handed Sundowns the trophy.

Although the result confirmed Sundowns’ success, the penalty decisions have become a major talking point following the match. Junior’s comments reflect the concerns of those who believe that refereeing decisions deserve closer scrutiny in high-pressure cup finals.

Nevertheless, his assessment remains an opinion on the incidents, rather than an official ruling that the penalties were incorrect. The debate is likely to continue among supporters of both clubs, particularly given the importance of the decisions to the final outcome.

For Pirates, the missed penalty represented a significant opportunity to get back into the contest, while Sundowns capitalised on their late spot-kick to confirm their triumph.

The final has therefore delivered both a trophy celebration for Sundowns and a fresh debate about officiating in South African football.

Source https://x.com/iDiskiTimes/status/2109344184490443118

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