The clamour for the utilisation of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in South African football has reached a fever pitch following Abongile Tom's deeply criticised officiating during Saturday's MTN8 final.
The match, held at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, ended up more notable for its refereeing controversies than the thrilling football it promised to deliver. Despite the uproar over Tom's decisions, Orlando Pirates made history by winning their third consecutive MTN8 title, further adding to their reputation under coach José Riveiro.
From 'plumber' to a title-winning coach
When José Riveiro was appointed as the coach of Orlando Pirates in 2022, he was little-known among fans, and not without reason — his early tenure was plagued with challenges. After failing to secure a win in his first six matches, fans hastily coined the term ‘plumber’ for him, a colloquial jab at foreign coaches struggling in the league. However, Riveiro has turned the tide, leading the club to five trophies in just three seasons, solidifying his status as one of the top coaches in the PSL.
Pirates' unprecedented MTN8 three-peat
The Sea Robbers have written their name indelibly in the history books by clinching their third straight MTN8 title. After overcoming an initial setback in the final, Pirates rallied to secure a 3-1 victory, with key goals coming in the dying moments of the match. This latest triumph marks their 13th MTN8 title, making them the first club to achieve a three-peat in the tournament's history.
The controversy surrounding Abongile Tom
Referee Abongile Tom’s performance was a focal point of criticism, overshadowing what could have been a classic encounter between two talented teams. Despite his impressive credentials — having officiated at events such as the African Nations Championship and the Fifa Under-20 World Cup — Tom’s handling of the game left much to be desired. Calls for accountability are brewing once more, especially in light of his previous four-week ban for poor officiating.
Popularity of Moses Mabhida Stadium
The Moses Mabhida Stadium once again proved its might as a premier venue for South African football, with 60 000 tickets selling out within hours. This marked the fourth full house at the stadium in two years. The PSL faced scrutiny for not moving the final to different provinces, but the turnout clearly indicated the stadium’s pulling power and its significance in hosting major football events in KwaZulu-Natal.
Stellies prove their resilience
After parting ways with some key players during the recent transfer window, doubts lingered over Stellenbosch FC's capabilities heading into the new season. However, the club has shown remarkable adaptability, with new recruits stepping into roles admirably as the team continues to thrive. Reaching the MTN8 final and qualifying for the group stages of the Confederation Cup in their inaugural CAF competition is a testament to the club's strong recruitment strategies.
The MTN8 final may have been marred by controversy, but it showcased the resilience of both Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch FC. As discussions surrounding officiating and technology in the sport gain momentum, supporters are left to ponder the future of football in South Africa and the potential changes that may follow in pursuit of fairness and integrity on the pitch.