Former Premier Soccer League referee Victor Hlungwani has weighed in on the controversial officiating during Saturday's Soweto Derby, arguing that two important decisions made by the match officials were incorrect.

Orlando Pirates secured a 2-1 victory over Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium, but the result has continued to generate debate among supporters, particularly over decisions made by referee Luxolo Badi and his assistants.

Following a review of two key incidents from the encounter, Hlungwani concluded that the officials made mistakes that could have influenced the game.

The first controversial moment involved Orlando Pirates' opening goal, scored by Yanela Mbuthuma in the 24th minute. The striker received a pass from Thapelo Mokobodi before finding the back of the net.

However, Hlungwani believes Mbuthuma was in an offside position when the pass was delivered and that the goal should have been disallowed.

Speaking during his analysis on Soccerzone, the former referee explained that the available footage showed the Pirates forward ahead of the defensive line. He maintained that the assistant referee should have identified the infringement before allowing the goal to stand.

The second incident involved Pirates winger Oswin Appollis, whose late effort was ruled out for offside after the assistant referee raised the flag.

Interestingly, Hlungwani disagreed with that decision as well. According to his assessment, Kaizer Chiefs defender Zitha Kwinika was playing Appollis onside when the attacker received the ball.

He explained that the goal should have counted under FIFA's Laws of the Game and described the assistant referee's decision as incorrect.

KAIZER CHIEFS AND ORLANDO PIRATES IN THE SPOTLIGHT

The latest assessment adds another dimension to the growing controversy surrounding the derby's officiating.

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz had also expressed frustration after the match, insisting that Mbuthuma's opening goal should not have been allowed because of an apparent offside infringement.

Despite the controversy, Orlando Pirates walked away with all three points after defeating their Soweto rivals 2-1. Mbuthuma and Tshepang Moremi scored for the Buccaneers, while Pule Mmodi registered Chiefs' only goal.

Hlungwani's assessment has now reignited discussions about the performance of the match officials, with supporters of both clubs likely to continue debating whether the decisions were handled correctly.

The controversy surrounding the Soweto Derby is therefore far from over, particularly as questions remain about two important incidents that attracted attention during the match.

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