Did Pirates benefit from offside goal in Soweto derby? Ex-PSL referee delivers verdict

Former FIFA and PSL referee Victor Hlungwani has delivered his verdict on Orlando Pirates’ opening goal during their 2-1 win over Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto derby.

Pirates secured the bragging rights and the three points in the derby on Saturday, when Yanela Mbuthuma and Tsepang Moremi scored either side of Pule Mmodi’s goal.

However, Mbuthuma’s goal was questioned by some, including Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz, who said it was offside. The Pirates striker appeared to be in an offside position when he received the ball from Thapelo Mokobodi before firing home via a deflection.

While reviewing the goal on SABC’s SoccerZone, Hlungwani made it clear that Pirates benefitted from a wrong call.

Why Pirates’ goal was offside

“We have evidence of this offside situation,” the former PSL referee stated before explaining how the match officials got it wrong.

“Here we see Mbuthuma scoring a goal. Did he score the goal in line with the FIFA laws of the game?” he posed.

“When we draw the line, it will help us understand and if you look at it there [after drawing lines], there is [Inacio) Miguel, there is Thabo [Moloisane] and when we freeze for a few seconds, Mbuthuma’s leg is on the line and Miguel’s leg is outside the line so this puts Mbuthuma in an offside position,” he stated.

🔴 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐥 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭

Some offsides, some red cards and some tight calls according to Victor Hlungwani.#SowetoDerby ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/JzGC0pkouj

— Mazola J. Molefe (@superjourno) November 2, 2026

Ex-ref explains Soweto derby blunder

The Principal, as the veteran referee is called, further explained why perhaps the match officials missed the offside but was categorical that Pirates were lucky on the day.

“It is very tight but we can see clearly here that the leg of Miguel is outside the line and Mbuthuma’s leg is inside the lines and this puts Mbuthuma in an offside position,” he said.

“This goal was not supposed to stand. But as they say, referee give benefit with the attacking team if you are not sure.”

Hlungwani, however, dismissed calls that Pirates’ second goal should similarly have been cancelled for offside, insisting Moremi was onside when he received the ball from Mokobodi.