A controversial refereeing decision marred the end of the Nedbank Cup quarterfinal between Kaizer Chiefs and Stellenbosch.
With the score at 1-1, Pule Mmodi’s stoppage-time goal, following a potential foul on goalkeeper Sage Stephens, was initially disallowed.
However, after consultation with the assistant referee, the referee overturned the decision, allowing Chiefs a goal, prompting furious reactions from Stellenbosch.
Chiefs legends Jimmy Tau and Stanton Fredericks, who are pundits on SuperSport, both stated the goal shouldn’t have been allowed as it was a foul on Stellenbosch goalkeeper Stephens.
“Sage Stephens gets fouled by Matlou, the ball hits [Thabo] Moloisane’s arm. It goes to [Pule] Mmodi’s direction who is in the offside position,” said Tau.
“First things first, it is a foul on Sage Stephens and wasn’t supposed to be given as a goal. Hence, the official there flagged for a foul but as to why he changed his decision, it will be really interesting to know.”
/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.afrik-foot.com%2Fen-za%2Fapp%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F03%2FIMG_9130.jpeg)
STANTON FREDERICKS BELIEVES REFEREE’S DECISION WAS INFLUENCED BY FANS PRESSURE
“By the time the referee and his assistant are there, I can imagine that the crowd’s pressure adds on to that decision,” said Fredericks.
“But having said that I just need to commend Steve Barker for keeping his calm, you can only imagine the disappointment. He rightfully stated it, three occasions where he felt it was totally a daylight robbery.
“You just got to feel for him here because I think that decision and the way in unfolded was just a little bit too disheartening for Stellies.”
When asked further if there was a foul on Sage Stephens, they both agreed, “Yes, 100%.”
/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.afrik-foot.com%2Fen-za%2Fapp%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F03%2FIMG_9129.jpeg)