SAFA breaks silence on controversial Chiefs-Sundowns officiating

Published on by Joel Oliver

SAFA head of referees Abdul Ebrahim has defended match officials who took charge of Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundwons’ PSL match on Saturday.

Referee Sikhumbuzo Gasa thrust himself in the spotlight over some questionable decisions in the match, which Sundowns won 2-1, with the Brazilians’ second goal considered by many as an offside.

This is because Lucas Ribeiro appeared to be in an offside position when receiving the ball before squaring it to Iqraam Rayners to score and there was another moment of surprise when he ruled out Chiefs’ second goal over what was claimed to be a foul in the build-up.

Kaizer Chiefs fans Courtey Kaizer Chiefs

Ebrahim risks the wrath of Kaizer Chiefs fans

However, Ebrahim says the performance of the referees was ‘good’ even though his team is still waiting for the report to ascertain any areas that the match officials did not perform well in.

“The referees did very well and the review will do the necessary, and then in the week, we will get the reports,” he told KickOff.

“Of course, there will always be one or two incidents that will need to be reviewed and the review will have a look at it, and they will get the footage and make the decisions based on the footage received.”

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Thapelo Morena and Mduduzi Shabalala – Picture by Mamelodi Sundowns

What does the referees’ boss think of VAR calls?

Following the controversial decisions, there have been calls to have VAR introduced in South African football with Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie among those who want the technology soon.

“The VAR is still in the discussion phase. Beyond that, unfortunately, I can’t provide you with any additional information,” he went on.

“If you look at the disallowed goal, I am sure VAR would have come in and had a look at it as well and either confirm or not.

“But like I said, it is still in the discussion phases and unfortunately we don’t have any information beyond that.”

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Joel Oliver

Joel Oliver is a seasoned multimedia sports journalist with a rich background in covering diverse football stories and events in South Africa and beyond.
His extensive coverage spans subjects touching on the PSL, with a focus on the Big Three (Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs & Mamelodi Sundowns), Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana.