Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz has questioned several refereeing decisions following his side’s disappointing 2-1 defeat to Orlando Pirates in Saturday’s Soweto Derby at FNB Stadium, suggesting that the Buccaneers’ opening goal should not have stood and that an opposing player could have been sent off.

The French coach expressed his frustration after Amakhosi failed to capitalise on a promising first-half performance against their biggest rivals. Although Chiefs created opportunities to take control of the encounter, they eventually suffered another painful defeat as Pirates secured all three points.

Speaking after the match, Da Cruz admitted that his team should have done more with their early dominance but also highlighted two controversial incidents that he felt could have influenced the outcome.

“In the first half we must kill this game. Normally, 2 or 3-0 because the goal of Pirates, we’ve seen it’s offside and maybe there is a red card as well,” Da Cruz said, as reported by iDiski Times.

The Chiefs coach was referring to Yanela Mbuthuma’s 24th-minute opener, which came after a quick Pirates counterattack. Da Cruz questioned the positioning during the build-up and suggested that the goal should have been disallowed. He also believed a Pirates player deserved a second yellow card, which would have resulted in a dismissal.

However, his comments represent his assessment of the incidents rather than an official confirmation of refereeing errors.

Chiefs responded positively to falling behind, with Pule Mmodi equalising in the 30th minute after Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine made a costly mistake. The sides went into halftime level at 1-1.

Pirates returned stronger after the break, and Tshepang Moremi restored their advantage in the 55th minute following an attacking move involving Thapelo Mokobodi.

Da Cruz also acknowledged that his young squad lacked the experience and energy needed during the closing stages. Nevertheless, he praised their effort, particularly considering the injured players unavailable for selection.

The defeat will leave Chiefs reflecting on missed opportunities, while Pirates celebrate a crucial derby victory that sends them to the top of the Betway Premiership standings.

Source:

https://x.com/KickOffMagazine/status/2116567501735665936