Robbed In Daylight: Former Referee Exposes How Chiefs Were Completely Cheated In The Soweto Derby

Former PSL Referee Victor Hlungwani Exposes Two Major Soweto Derby Errors As Pirates And Chiefs Controversy Deepens

Johannesburg – The refereeing controversy surrounding the Soweto Derby has taken another dramatic turn after former PSL and FIFA referee Victor Hlungwani questioned two major goal decisions involving Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs.

The Buccaneers secured a 2-1 victory over their bitter rivals at FNB Stadium on Saturday, 31 October 2026, but the match officials have continued to attract criticism following the closely contested encounter.

Hlungwani has now analysed two separate incidents involving Yanela Mbuthuma and Oswin Appollis, arguing that the officials made incorrect decisions in both situations.

His assessment has added fresh fuel to the debate among football supporters, particularly Amakhosi faithful who were unhappy with the circumstances surrounding Pirates’ opening goal.

The first controversial incident involved Pirates striker Yanela Mbuthuma, who opened the scoring in the 24th minute after receiving a pass from Thapelo Mokobodi.

The ball took a deflection off Kaizer Chiefs defender Thabo Moloisane before finding the back of the net.

However, Hlungwani believes Mbuthuma was in an offside position when the pass was played.

After analysing the available footage and drawing the offside line, the former referee explained that Chiefs defender Inacio Miguel was positioned behind the attacker.

“Mbuthuma here is offside. This goal was not supposed to have stand. This is not right from this situation. It [the goal] should not have been allowed. This is not right,” Hlungwani explained on SoccerZone.

His assessment supports the argument that the assistant referee should have raised the flag before Pirates were awarded the goal.

Interestingly, Hlungwani also believes Orlando Pirates were denied a legitimate goal when Oswin Appollis found the net later in the match.

The winger had rounded Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen and finished into an unguarded goal, only for the assistant referee to flag for offside.

Hlungwani disagreed with that decision, arguing that Chiefs defender Zitha Kwinika had played Appollis onside.

“Appollis scored a goal that was ruled offside, and we have Kwinika playing Appollis onside. This goal was in line with the FIFA Laws of the game. This flag [by assistant referee] is wrong in this situation,” he said.

The two incidents therefore present an interesting situation: Hlungwani believes Pirates benefited from one incorrect decision but were also disadvantaged by another.

Despite the controversy, Orlando Pirates maintained their advantage and collected all three points.

After Mbuthuma’s opener, Pule Mmodi equalised for Chiefs before Tshepang Moremi scored the decisive goal in the 55th minute.

The result strengthened Pirates’ position at the top of the Betway Premiership standings, while Chiefs were left disappointed after another difficult derby outing.

Hlungwani’s comments have created another talking point around referee Luxolo Badi and his assistants.

However, his analysis represents the opinion of a former referee and should not be confused with an official PSL ruling.

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