On Saturday, Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine praised referee Abongile Tom for his performance in the MTN8 final. The Buccaneers faced Mamelodi Sundowns in the final at Moses Mabhida Stadium, with Tom coming under fire for some of the decisions he made.
In particular, Sundowns felt they should have had a penalty when Chaine brought down Lebohang Maboe in the box during the second half. However, Tom gave a foul in favour of the Buccaneers, which led to the Sundowns bench expressing disbelief.
Chaine believes Tom was paying close attention to the game, as he was impeded by Sundowns striker Peter Shalulile before tackling Maboe. He feels this is why Tom gave a foul in favour of the Buccaneers, and he has given the referee credit for it.
“I think we should also give referees credit. I think it was a good call from him,” Chaine said after the final on Saturday. “Even before I went in for the 50/50 challenge, I had a foul on me, which he picked up. It was a very great call from him and it was not easy to see that if he was not paying attention. We’ve also got to give him credit for such games as today.”
Chaine went on to save three penalties in the shootout to inspire the Soweto giants to back-to-back MTN8 titles, a feat they have achieved for a second time. Despite the controversy surrounding Tom’s decision, Chaine believes the referee deserves credit for his performance in the match.
ORLANDO PIRATES ARE THE MTN 8 CHAMPIONS UP THE BUCS ONCE & ALWAYS ☠️☠️
Rhulani Penalty Erasmus MTN8FINAL Chaine Sundowns rugbyworldcup2023 Mendieta OrlandoPirates Senzo Meyiwa Saleng pic.twitter.com/QmEc4ym7jQ
— NICK. (@ltsNlCK) October 7, 2023
