Although thrilled with his team’s victory, Sundowns co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi lambasted the league’s officials, criticizing their time management and ability to award important stoppage time on multiple occasions this season.
“I am really disappointed with the current actions of our government leaders. How often did the goalkeeper fall to the ground? How many substitutes were made in the second half, and how much time did they add?” He inquired after the game.
“In a game when at least seven or eight minutes should have been added, and this has occurred numerous times, we witness these time delaying tactics in the PSL, and if my team had lost, people would say I’m whining because we lost.
Last time we checked, the ball is on the field for only 43 minutes in a PSL game, yet we’re supposed to play 90 minutes, and the officials aren’t ensuring that stoppages are limited and accounted for.
The defending DStv Premiership champions have suffered two defeats in their first seven league games, a rare occurrence if prior seasons offer any indication.
90th minute, scores tied; can a winner be found?
Peter Shalulile said affirmatively. #Sundowns #DStvPrem pic.twitter.com/fJCKB9bR1R
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) September 8, 2022
Sundowns were met by an inspired Lloyd Kazapiwa in Chippa’s goal, but win against the Chilli Boys sent Mngqithi’s men to the top of the league, bringing relief and possibly a shift in fortunes, according to the coach.
“We had told ourselves we needed to win this match, so we were determined to do so. Even if their goalkeeper performed admirably, I was dissatisfied with the volume of shots we took in the first half “He conceded.
“We’ve lost matches that we shouldn’t have lost, and if you look at the action lines in that game, we didn’t deserve to win against Kaizer Chiefs with that scoreline.
“However, we’ve drawn and lost games in which we performed better and thought we should’ve won by that margin, so this victory was really encouraging for the team,” he added.
@SmisoScribe