Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine praised referee Abongile Tom for his handling of the controversial penalty moment during the MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday.
Chaine believes referee Tom handled the match with aplomb, showing no favoritism to either team.
Tom, managed the match superbly but was forced to make several tough decisions, including when Chaine appeared to have impeded Sundowns attacker Lebogang Maboe in the penalty box in the first half of extra-time.
The man with the whistle, Tom instead booked Maboe for simulation.
Football fans are divided on the referee’s decision, with some arguing that Chaine was impeded by Peter Shalulile before he fouled Maboe.
Sundowns coach complained after the game, insisting that they were supposed to be given a penalty as Tom also waved away calls for a penalty by the Tshwane giants for a handball by Bandile Shandu.
SIPHO CHAINE SAYS REFEREE TOM MADE THE RIGHT CALL ON PENALTY
“I think we should also give credit to (the match officials),” said Chaine, who walked away with the Man of the Match accolade.
The Pirates goalie saved three penalties in the shootout as Pirates won 3-1 following a goalless draw after extra-time at a windy Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban “They (match officials) had a good game today and should also be given credit. It was a good call from him (Abongile Tom).
Even before I went in for the 50/50 ball or the challenge there was a foul on me which could have been picked up.
OTHER SOCCER NEWS:Hat-trick hero Lepasa grateful to Pirates chairman Irvin Khoza
“That was a very great call from him. It wasn’t easy to see that if he wasn’t paying attention. So we should also give him credit for such games as today,” added Chaine.
Meanwhile, Chaine also reacted to saving three penalties from Bongani Zungu, Junior Mendieta and Teboho Mokoena to help Pirates defend the MTN8 title.
He said the game was tough, and Pirates were on the back foot heading into the final as they had lost three of their last four games in all competitions.
“But I think it worked for us coming to penalties and saving three of them,” he said. “I am here to work for Orlando Pirates. Every time or chance that I get to represent the club.”