Arrows' Mngqithi slams referees after Kaizer Chiefs defeat, calls for VAR in Premiership

Golden Arrows head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has taken aim at match officials in the Betway Premiership, accusing referees of inconsistency and favouritism after his side’s defeat to Kaizer Chiefs in Durban on Saturday.

A debut strike from Flavio Silva in the 69th minute handed Amakhosi all three points, but Mngqithi was adamant that the game hinged on a moment earlier in the second half. 

Arrows midfielder Sandile Sithole burst into the box in the 57th minute and was brought down by a double tackle from Chiefs defenders Thabiso Monyane and Inacio Miguel.

The Arrows bench erupted in protest, but the referee waved play on. For Mngqithi, the decision highlighted the uneven treatment teams receive.

“We created what I think was a clear penalty in my opinion, but I think in South Africa, maybe things are different, but I think it was a clear penalty,” Mngqithi said.

While disappointed, the 54-year-old stopped short of using the incident as an excuse for the result, insisting his players should also have made better use of their chances.

“I wouldn’t want to use the incident of the penalty as a deciding factor because I also think we could have scored. The shot that Jobe [Sithole] got in the counter-attack was a very good chance,” he added.

Mngqithi has repeatedly voiced concerns about officiating in the league and again called for Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology to curb costly mistakes.

“The only sad thing is that sometimes when you look at these decisions of penalties and free-kicks and fouls in the PSL, I don’t think we are winning much without VAR. You can say whatever you want to say because without VAR, we are a little bit exposed,” he said.

But his real gripe lies in what he describes as a culture of double standards, where controversial calls are brushed aside when smaller teams suffer but spark outrage when they affect giants of the local game.

“Decisions are taken, and you move on. Nobody talks, it’s Golden Arrows by the way, so nobody talks. But if it’s somebody else, maybe something happens, but the honest truth is, referees have been given this carte blanche way of doing what they want. Even if the decision is atrocious, it’s okay,” said Mngqithi.

“It just depends on who was beaten on that day. If it’s someone who is bigger than the other in an animal farm, it will be an issue. If it happens to another team that is less fancied, it’s okay, tomorrow is another day, we move on.”

To back his point, Mngqithi referenced another weekend clash, in which Sundowns striker Peter Shalulile scored his record 130th PSL goal from a penalty against Stellenbosch FC.

“I was so happy for him. I was watching that game and I saw what happened.

"Another dubious penalty, to be honest, let’s not lie here. It’s another dubious penalty because I don’t think that penalty was inside the box,” Mngqithi concluded.