Former PSL Referee Victor Hlungwani Explains Two Controversial Goal Decisions in Soweto Derby

Former Premier Soccer League (PSL) referee Victor Hlungwani has analysed two controversial goal decisions during the highly contested Soweto Derby between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, questioning one decision while explaining why another goal should have stood.

The former referee took time to examine the incidents involving Kaizer Chiefs striker Flavio da Silva Mbuthuma and Orlando Pirates attacker Oswin Appollis, highlighting what he believes were mistakes in the officiating.

In the first incident, Hlungwani questioned the decision to allow Mbuthuma’s goal to stand, arguing that the Kaizer Chiefs forward was in an offside position when the move developed.

According to him, the goal should have been disallowed because the attacking situation involved an offside infringement.

Explaining his position, Hlungwani said the goal was not supposed to count under the Laws of the Game.

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

However, Hlungwani also questioned the assistant referee’s decision to flag Orlando Pirates’ Appollis for offside when he scored a goal that was subsequently ruled out.

According to the former PSL referee, Kaizer Chiefs defender Kwinika was playing Appollis onside during the attacking move.

He maintained that the Pirates goal should have been allowed because the defender’s position meant Appollis was not in an offside position when the ball was played.

“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,” Hlungwani stated.

His analysis has brought further attention to the officiating during the Soweto Derby, particularly because the two incidents involved decisions that could have influenced the match.

The Soweto Derby between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs is one of the biggest fixtures in South African football, and controversial refereeing decisions often attract intense discussions among supporters and football analysts.

Hlungwani’s assessment provides a different perspective on the two incidents, with the former referee suggesting that Mbuthuma’s goal should have been disallowed while Appollis’ effort should have counted.

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