Former PSL referee Zolile Mthetho has defended Abongile Tom’s overall performance in the MTN8 final between Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates. Mthetho said Tom handled the big match well, except for two penalty decisions that caused debate.

Sundowns beat Pirates 2-0 at Moses Mabhida Stadium. Tom, one of the top referees in South Africa and Africa, gave Pirates a penalty just after the hour mark. Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams saved Gamphani Lungu’s spot-kick. In stoppage time, Tom awarded Sundowns a penalty after Siyanda Ndlovu went down following a challenge with Thapelo Mokobodi. Iqraam Rayners scored to seal the win.

Mthetho, a former PSL Referee of the Season, told KickOff that Tom and his team did a good job managing the game. He praised how they dealt with a heated moment when technical staff from both sides rushed onto the pitch.

“Besides the two penalty incidents he did very well,” Mthetho said. “That technical area we call a danger area and it has to be given 100 percent attention by the match officials. After that commotion, both Abongile and the first assistant went to try and manage the confrontations.”

He explained that the officials correctly avoided giving cards during the chaos. “In such situations, it is much correct to do that, because once you caution one or two players, those who are cautioned will ask why you are not cautioning the opponent. So it’s better to manage the situation without issue of cards.”

Mthetho compared referees to goalkeepers. “Being a referee we’re judged like a goalkeeper. You can make 90 saves in a match and concede one goal, you are blamed for that one goal as if there were no saves you made before you conceded. It’s the same with referees.”

He also explained why Tom keeps getting the biggest games. Matches in the PSL are categorised, and Sundowns against Pirates is a category A fixture. Only elite referees are trusted with these high-stakes clashes.

“The problem is that games are categorized, so Sundowns v Pirates is category A, so it needs elite referees to officiate the match,” Mthetho said. “As much as they are all doing PSL matches but there is a group of referees considered elite referees in the country, who are tasked with handling category A matches.”

Tom’s experience helped keep control in a tense final between two of South Africa’s biggest clubs, even if the two penalty calls remain the main talking points.

Source: https://x.com/KickOffMagazine/status/2111351583581614359