Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando da Cruz has questioned some of the officiating decisions following his side's 2-1 defeat to Orlando Pirates in Saturday's Soweto Derby.

The French coach was unhappy with certain incidents during the highly anticipated Betway Premiership encounter, suggesting that decisions by the match officials could have affected the outcome.

Speaking after the match, Da Cruz raised concerns about a possible offside decision and another incident that he felt may have deserved a red card.

“It was offside and maybe there’s a red card,” Da Cruz said.

His comments added another talking point to an already dramatic derby, which saw Orlando Pirates walk away with all three points at the expense of their biggest rivals.

Pirates opened the scoring through Yanela Mbuthuma in the 24th minute before Pule Mmodi equalised for Amakhosi. Tshepang Moremi then restored the Buccaneers' advantage in the 55th minute, securing the 2-1 victory.

The match also produced disciplinary drama, with Pirates defender Inacio Miguel receiving a second yellow card and being sent off in the 90th minute.

For Chiefs, the defeat was a disappointing result, particularly after entering the encounter with hopes of maintaining their unbeaten run.

Da Cruz's criticism of the officiating is likely to fuel further debate among supporters, especially given the intensity and importance of the Soweto Derby.

While Pirates celebrated a crucial victory, Chiefs were left reflecting on missed opportunities, controversial incidents and a result that ended their unbeaten start to the campaign.

Source : https://x.com/KickOffMagazine/status/2116567501735665936/photo/1?a=BLDHuIuXBYCsgKuolvc&s=19