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WATCH: Referees like Abongile Tom are killing South African football, says Junior Khanye

FILE - South African referee in action during the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations. Photo: Sia Kambou/AFP

FILE - South African referee in action during the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations. Photo: Sia Kambou/AFP

Published Oct 7, 2024

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Former Kaizer Chiefs star Junior Khanye has taken off the gloves and torn into referee Abongile Tom after his mistake in last weekend’s MTN8 final between Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch FC.

With the game level at 1-1 and heading towards extra time, Tom made a huge mistake that gifted Pirates a goal that would ultimately give them the cup.

With time winding up, the Buccaneers were awarded a free kick, which was not taken where the foul was committed. With the Stellenbosch players all at sea, thinking the ball would be moved back, Tom waved β€˜play on’ and Tshegofatso Mabasa was fed the ball inside the 18-yard area, where he scored to Pirates an undeserved lead.

And deep into stoppage time, Relebohile Mofokeng danced his way through the Stellies defence to put the ball beyond Sage Stephens to make it 3-1.

Speaking on iDiski TV, Khanye was heavily critical of Tom, saying: β€œThe likes of Abongile Tom should go to a mirror and look at themselves.

β€œYou are killing SA football. We as a nation and I don’t care who says what, we are not going to improve. I’m not a mini-God but if we are celebrating such things or encourage it, as a country we are still far.

β€œI’m sure if they play the video of this game back for the referee, he will see he made a huge mistake because that goal hurt Stellenbosch players psychologically.

β€œIt was towards the end of the game. With the players off the game like that, it allowed for them to concede the third goal. Goal number three was world class, one of the best goals from one of the best talents [Relebohile Mofokeng],” said Khanye.

Despite that, he felt that the mistake by Tom ruined what was, otherwise, a good game of football between two hard working teams.

β€œ... I won’t even blame Orlando Pirates but can referees be consistent because this is heart breaking. I mean Steve Barker has worked hard, his players played so well, they were so fluid, and the game was balanced. To me at that moment it was anybody’s game but the referee allowing for play to continue at a different spot ruined everything.”

IOL Sport

Related Topics:

orlando piratesstellenbosch fcmtn8soccerpsl