The coach of AmaZulu, Usuthu, criticized the Soweto giants, Orlando Pirates, for what he deemed as over-the-top celebrations following their recent contentious victory. He felt that the team’s jubilant reaction to their win was disproportionate, especially considering the controversy surrounding the match’s outcome. His comments highlight the growing tensions and fierce competitiveness in the league, where even the way teams celebrate their victories can become a point of contention.
Match Recap
Monnapule Saleng made a significant impact coming off the bench, providing the assist to Mabasa, who scored the only goal in Orlando Pirates’ win against AmaZulu at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.
The match took a dramatic turn when Usuthu were reduced to 10 players after Abbubaker Mobara was controversially sent off in the 21st minute for a ‘foul’ on Patrick Maswanganyi.
AmaZulu coach Pablo Franco Martin, feeling the referees favored the Pirates, has since criticized the match’s officiating and taunted the Bucs for their reaction to the result.
Questionable Decision to Blame?
AmaZulu coach Pablo Franco Martin was pleased with his team’s strong start but ultimately pointed to questionable refereeing as the cause of their loss to Orlando Pirates.
“I think we started the game in a great way, we hammered them,” the former Simba SC coach said after the game.
“I think we had the chance to score, we hit the post, we played great football. then again, one unbelievable action changed the whole game and harmed us a lot.
“But from there, surprisingly we are controlling [the game] very well, had many chances, even in the second half until against nine; they took advantage and they scored.”
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Pirates Accused of Unsportsmanlike Conduct
Martin further criticized the Soweto giants for not following fair play, claiming they scored the only goal of the match in an unsporting manner.
“There was again lack of gentleman [play] when one player is on the ground, you’re playing with one man down and not kicking the ball out,” the tactician continued.
“But that happened also in the Cup game, we took the ball out because one of their players was on the ground.
They kicked the ball for a goal kick and then pressed from there, you know, what can expect? We tried till the end, but this is what we can do when we play against everything and everyone every single day.”
Pirates Celebrated Like They Won a World Cup
The Spanish coach then took a jab at the Bucs, saying,
“I’m not going to be angry, today I’m going to laugh because this is a never-ending story.
“But it’s a great feeling again to compete against this huge team in this amazing scenario, seeing again how they are celebrating like if they won the World Cup.
“Wasting time, only scoring when they were scoring against nine men,” he concluded.
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Chaine Wasn’t Delaying – Jose Riveiro
Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro expressed surprise when goalkeeper Sipho Chaine received a yellow card, despite clearly being injured and taking time to recover.
“I don’t understand the reason for the caution because his discomfort was genuine,” Riveiro explained. “But we have three other goalkeepers in the squad, so whoever steps in will still provide the reliability we need.”
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