Stellenbosch FC striker Ibraheem Jabaa scored the decisive goal in the Betway Premiership match against AmaZulu.
Image: Backpagepix
The integrity of PSL officiating has been questioned once more, following a controversial penalty that overshadowed Stellenbosch FC’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over AmaZulu FC at the Danie Craven Stadium on Friday evening.
Both coaches, Arthur Zwane and Gavin Hunt, voiced their confusion and frustration over referee Moreki Lekwape’s decision to award a spot-kick in the 64th minute. Despite the teams being on opposite ends of the final score, the inexplicable call forged an unlikely consensus between the two football minds.
Stellenbosch’s Nigerian striker Ibraheem Jabaar missed the resultant penalty, prompting match commentator Mark Gleeson to comment: “Justice is served.”
The drama unfolded when AmaZulu goalkeeper Darren Johnson attempted to clear a ball while under pressure from Stellenbosch’s Devin Titus. As Johnson’s foot swung through the air, he made contact.
However, it appeared to result from a natural follow-through, leaving many spectators bewildered when Lekwape pointed to the penalty spot.
Although Jabaar had the chance to extend the lead, he missed the penalty and failed to convert. Yet the more significant issue quickly became the controversial officiating decision that both coaches strongly criticised.
Jabaar netted the solitary goal of the match in the 33rd minute, propelling the hosts to ninth place on the log and marking their second consecutive victory, following a midweek triumph over Kaizer Chiefs.
Hunt, despite benefitting from the penalty call, openly expressed his disbelief during the post-match press briefing.
“I don’t know what the hell that was for,” he said candidly. “I don’t think Devin touched the ball. I think it was more of a follow-through, and he missed it. Yeah, it was a little bit harsh. I don’t think it was a penalty.”
Hunt elaborated that although he had witnessed similar penalty calls in the past, the rationale behind such decisions often evades logical understanding.
Meanwhile, Zwane did not hold back in his criticism of the officiating standards in South African football, contending that decisions like these undermine the sport’s credibility. “When a match official gives a dubious penalty like that, it tells you that something is not right,” he asserted.
“That was never a penalty — not on any given day. They had a chance to score and end the game, but these are the kinds of incidents we see week in and week out. It’s exactly these decisions that damage the image of the PSL.”
The disappointment lingers for AmaZulu, who left the stadium contemplating a performance that deserved better than a cloud of controversy. In stark contrast, the victory bolstered Stellenbosch’s confidence as they chase momentum in the league standings upward.