By Ayanda Nyuswa
Gagasi FM Sports specialist Mike Makaab has had his say on the controversial penalty that was awarded to Orlando Pirates in their 4-2 win over AmaZulu FC in the Nedbank Cup quarterfinals at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. Referee Masixole Bambiso awarded a penalty to Pirates in the 44th minute of the match as he judged Taariq Fielies to have fouled Makhehleni Makhaula inside the box, and Patrick Maswanganyi converted the spot kick to bring the Bucaneers level after going a goal down in the first half.
The incident has caused a huge stir with Usuthu coach Pablo Franco Martin labelling the decision a “Scandal” and a “Shame for the country” in the aftermath of the six goal thriller. Speaking on the Reaction Monday edition of Extra time on Gagasi FM, the former Orlando Pirates coach Mike Makaab has had his say on the matter.
“Was it a penalty? No. In my opinion absolutely not. You know when a defender can’t go up and challenge for the ball and, you know when the attacking players falls softly, surely if not the referee then the assistant referee should be able to pick that up. I just think that it was a very very crucial moment in the game, and it was a moment that I think swung the momentum,” said Makaab.
Makaab was asked about the measures that should be taken to improve the standard of officiating in South African football, and had this to say:
“VAR, sooner than later. You know lets be honest here and sometimes I can’t be popular and I am going to be unpopular for saying this. We say that we are amongst the top leagues in the world and I agree. From an administrative point of view this league is unbelievably well run, without a doubt it is a top top league. When you look at the money that some of the players earn, more than what is paid in certain leagues by certain clubs in Europe. However, unless you start reducing the amount of uncertainty resulting from official decisions then you are going to have these question marks about the credibility of the league. Let me say this, VAR is not perfect but there is little doubt in my mind they would’ve picked this up,” Makaab concluded
