Orlando Pirates claimed an unprecedented MTN8 treble on Saturday but referee Abongile Tom’s performance has come under the microscope.
Orlando Pirates win a thriller in controversial circumstances
Renowned local agent Mike Makaab wasn’t hiding his disgust at Abongile Tom’s decision to allow Tshegofatso Mabasa’s 91st-minute strike in the final. Pirates fans won’t care much as nothing can be changed now. Also, this isn’t even a decision that would usually need VAR intervention; referee Tom should have been close enough to the action to adjudge that the free-kick needed to be retaken from the correct spot. Yet here we are.
MTN8 final recap
Lehlohonolo Mejola scored a stunner in the 12th minute to put a cat among the pigeons for Stellenbosch, but Pirates hit back through big-game player Monnapule Saleng on 43 minutes. Super-sub Tshegofatso Mabasa put Pirates in front on 91 minutes amid huge controversy after a free kick was taken a few yards ahead of where the foul took place. Referee Abongile Tom allowed the goal. Relebohile Mofokeng put the icing on the cake in the sixth minute of second-half stoppage time. 3-1 to Pirates is how it ended. That’s R10 million prize money in the bank for the Buccaneers and another season of bragging rights.
MTN8 facts & figures
- The Buccaneers have won a treble of MTN8 titles and their 13th overall.
- Stellies have never lifted the trophy.
- The prize fund for this year’s tournament has been hiked to R17 million in total.
- Pirates walk away with a R10 million cheque, while Stellies – along with the other six sides to have competed – will earn R1 million.
- The other six teams who were eliminated in the earlier rounds were SuperSport United, TS Galaxy, Sekhukhune United, Cape Town City FC, Polokwane City and Mamelodi Sundowns.
- Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs lead the way with 15 titles, followed by their bitter rivals Orlando Pirates with 13.
- Pirates are the first side since the tournament’s inception to win the title three years in a row.
What are your thoughts on Abongile Tom’s performance in the MTN8 final?
Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or emailing info@thesouthafrican.com. You can also send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for your social fix.
