Stellenbosch head coach Steve Barker has given his reasons as to why Orlando Pirates’ second goal should not have stood in the MTN8 final.
Pirates were crowned champions of the MTN8 for the third consecutive season. However, there was controversy towards the end, after Tshegofatso Mabasa’s goal that gave the Buccaneers a 2-1 lead in stoppage time came after Stellies players stopped playing after the referee blew for a foul.
Lehlohonolo Mojela gave the Cape Winelands outfit an early lead but Monnapule Saleng equalised for Jose Riveiro’s charges just before half-time.
It was in added time that Mabasa made it 2-1 for Pirates after Relebohile Mofokeng took a quick free-kick, with Stellies players still arguing with the referee, and played a through ball.
Mofokeng went on to make it 3-1 in the tail end of added time.
In his post-match interview, Barker gave three reasons why Mabasa’s goal was not legitimate.
“Ja it’s unfortunate that an incident like that spoils the game. I mean, firstly it’s not a free-kick, secondly the ref speaking to the players, thirdly [the free-kick] taken from the wrong place, so what can I say? There’s nothing I want to say, there’s nothing more,” Barker told SuperSport TV.
Barker could not get over the controversial incident after he was asked about a stunning goal scored by Mojela.
“It’s difficult to think about the good things but we were obviously competitive, we showed that we can compete with the best teams on a weekly basis. It is just disappointing that the game ended like that,” Barker added.
