Former Premier Soccer League (PSL) referee Victor Hlungwani has raised concerns over two controversial officiating decisions during the Soweto Derby between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, arguing that match officials made mistakes in both situations.

The highly anticipated encounter, played at FNB Stadium, ended with Orlando Pirates securing a 2-1 victory over their fierce rivals. However, the match has continued to generate debate following questions about two important goal decisions.

Hlungwani has since reviewed the incidents and shared his assessment, questioning the decisions made by the assistant referees during the game.

The first controversy involved Orlando Pirates forward Yanela Mbuthuma, whose goal was allowed to stand. According to Hlungwani, the attacker was in an offside position during the build-up, meaning the goal should have been disallowed.

The former PSL referee explained that the assistant referee should have raised the flag to signal the infringement before the goal was awarded.

Hlungwani was particularly critical of the decision, insisting that the goal did not comply with the rules of the game.

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

However, Hlungwani disagreed with the decision, arguing that Kaizer Chiefs defender Zitha Kwinika had played Appollis onside. He believes the goal should have counted because the defender's positioning meant there was no offside infringement.

According to his interpretation, the assistant referee made an incorrect call by disallowing the goal.

### Two Decisions That Have Sparked Debate

The two incidents have attracted attention because they involve opposite officiating decisions. Hlungwani believes Pirates benefited from a goal that should have been ruled out, while another legitimate effort from Appollis was incorrectly disallowed.

For Kaizer Chiefs supporters, the first incident raises questions about how Mbuthuma's goal was allowed to stand. Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates fans may feel that their team was unfairly denied another goal after Appollis found the back of the net.

### PSL Officiating Under the Spotlight

The latest debate has once again brought refereeing standards in South African football into focus, particularly when it comes to important matches involving the country's biggest clubs.

Although Hlungwani's comments have added weight to the discussion, his assessment represents his personal interpretation of the match footage and should not be mistaken for an official PSL ruling.

The incidents also underline how crucial assistant referees' decisions can be in high-pressure encounters, where a single controversial call can have a significant impact on the final result.

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