PSL referee blunder hands Sundowns victory as Middendorp's ...
Referee Thabo Mkhabela shows Asanele Velebayi of Cape Town Spurs a yellow card during the DStv Premiership match against Mamelodi Sundowns at Athlone Stadium on 9 April 2024. (Shaun Roy/Gallo Images)
Under the floodlights of Athlone Stadium on Tuesday, Mamelodi Sundowns maintained their unblemished record in the DStv Premiership with a hard-fought 1-0 victory against relegation-threatened Cape Town Spurs.
However, the match was not without its controversies, as a contentious officiating decision sparked heated debate and divided the two teams on the pitch.
Referee Thabo Mkhabela, in conjunction with linesman Elphas Sithole, erroneously awarded a penalty to the visitors instead of a free-kick after Spurs' youngster Asanele Velebayi fouled Brazilians striker Peter Shalulile just outside the home side's box.
Just four days prior, the perennial Premiership champions found themselves embroiled in another controversial officiating call when Young Africans forward Aziz Ki appeared to have scored with an audacious strike against Sundowns during the CAF Champions League quarter-final.
The television replays clearly indicated that the ball had crossed the line, but referee Dahana Beida, with the guidance of the video assistant referee, controversially ruled that the ball did not cross the back of the net, leaving the Tanzanians visibly frustrated.
However, on a blustery and rainy evening in Cape Town, facing a side desperate for points, Masandawana continued to capitalise on their good fortune.
Lucas Ribeiro calmly converted the penalty to put the visitors ahead, ultimately securing the victory.
The goal took the Brazilian-born forward back to the summit of the goalscoring standings with 11 strikes ahead of Orlando Pirates’ Tshegofatso Mabasa (10), Cape Town City’s Khanyisa Mayo (nine), Bradley Grobler of SuperSport United and Iqraam Rayners of Stellenbosch FC, who are both on eight goals.
The win propels Sundowns past the fifty-point mark (52), with 10 Premiership fixtures remaining. They now enjoy a comfortable 13-point lead over second-placed Stellenbosch FC.
Remaining undefeated, Sundowns demonstrate their resilience as the 2023/24 campaign enters its decisive phase.
Securing the three points also extends head coach Rulani Mokwena's impressive record.
The 37-year-old Sundowns mentor has now amassed 30 league victories out of 40 matches since taking over as sole head coach.
Remarkably, ten matches have ended in draws, with Mokwena yet to suffer a league defeat. This outstanding record translates to a remarkable 75% win rate in the league alone.
On the opposing bench, Ernst Middendorp, who took the reins midway through November last year following the departure of Shaun Bartlett, has witnessed his rescue mission at Spurs from relegation gradually lose momentum with each passing week.
In his 12 league matches at the helm, Middendorp has managed only two wins, three draws, and seven defeats, yielding a concerning win percentage of 16.67%. This dismal record has left his charges firmly anchored to the bottom of the league standings.
Despite the dire situation, with seven matches still left to play in the league, there remains a glimmer of hope for Spurs to escape the drop.
Richards Bay, currently sitting in 15th place, which offers a team a shot at survival through the PSL relegation/promotion playoffs, holds a slim five-point lead over Spurs.
Meanwhile, Moroka Swallows, positioned 14th on the log, are just ten points ahead.
Despite the daunting task ahead, the 65-year-old Middendorp, who has successfully secured the Premiership status of Free State Stars and Maritzburg United in the past, will undoubtedly maintain hopes of orchestrating a miraculous escape to prevent Spurs from slipping back into the National First Division.
