Naturena Refereeing Storm: Hlungwani Says Pirates Star Selepe Should Have Been Sent Off

Naturena: Hlungwani Delivers Another Controversial Verdict As Selepe Escapes Derby Red Card

The controversy surrounding the officiating in the Soweto Derby has continued to grow after former Premier Soccer League referee Victor Hlungwani questioned another major decision made by referee Luxolo Badi during Orlando Pirates’ 2-1 victory over Kaizer Chiefs.

Hlungwani believes Pirates midfielder Simphiwe Selepe should have received a second yellow card for stopping a promising Chiefs attacking move during the first half of Saturday’s encounter.

The former referee shared his assessment while analysing the derby on SABC1’s SoccerZone, arguing that the nature of the offence warranted another caution and, consequently, a red card.

His comments have added another layer to the debate surrounding Badi’s performance, with several incidents from the highly anticipated encounter attracting attention.

According to Hlungwani’s analysis, Selepe committed an offence that deserved a yellow card because he stopped a promising attacking opportunity for Chiefs.

Since the midfielder had already received a booking, another caution would have resulted in his dismissal.

However, Badi opted against showing Selepe a second yellow card, allowing the Pirates player to remain on the pitch.

Hlungwani’s assessment has raised questions about the consistency of the referee’s disciplinary decisions during a match where both teams were competing fiercely for control.

Under the Laws of the Game, a player can receive a caution for stopping a promising attack through an offence punishable by a free kick or penalty. If that player has already been booked, a second yellow card results in a red card.

The Selepe incident is not the only decision that has attracted scrutiny following Pirates’ victory.

Hlungwani previously questioned the validity of Yanela Mbuthuma’s opening goal, arguing that it should have been disallowed for offside.

Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz also raised concerns about aspects of the officiating, including an alleged offside decision and a possible second-yellow-card incident.

The growing number of disputed moments has kept the performance of Badi and his assistants firmly in the spotlight.

However, it is important to distinguish expert television analysis from an official ruling. Hlungwani’s comments represent his assessment of the incidents and do not automatically change the match result.

Despite the debate, Pirates remain the official winners after securing a 2-1 victory over their Soweto rivals at FNB Stadium on 31 October 2026.

For Chiefs, the defeat represents another difficult moment in a season where expectations remain high.

Da Cruz must now focus on preparing his players for their next challenge, while Pirates will look to build on the confidence gained from defeating their biggest rivals.

Hlungwani’s latest assessment has nevertheless given football supporters another reason to revisit the derby.

The central question remains whether Badi missed an opportunity to dismiss Selepe, a decision that could have changed the balance of the contest.

https://x.com/ChiefsCentralZA/status/2117338989182996829

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