An ABC Motsepe League match between Vondwe XI Bullets, coached by Owen Da Gama, and Mpheni Defenders was abandoned with only two minutes played due to ‘dubious’ officiating on Saturday.
The two clubs are one of the biggest rivals for promotion to the Motsepe Foundation Championship in Limpopo.
Vondwe is owned by ambitious chairman Phathutshedzo Siebe, who recently brought in experienced coach Da Gama. The latter coached at international level and in the PSL at several clubs, including TS Galaxy and Orlando Pirates.
Mpheni, on the other hand, are owned and coached by Sydwell Phuravhathu. The club recently secured a spot in this season’s Nedbank Cup Last 32 after winning the Limpopo playoffs.
WHY THE ABC MOTSEPE LEAGUE MATCH WAS ABANDONED IN LIMPOPO?
FARPost has established that the match at a packed Makhuvha Stadium lasted only two minutes following a controversial decision by the referee. It is alleged that the official awarded Vondwe, the home team, a penalty after just two minutes.
However, the decision did not sit well with the visitors led by the head coach, Phuravhathu. This resulted in Mpheni blocking the goalline and denying Vondwe the chance to take the kick.
A commotion between the two teams, officials and the fans lasted for over 30 minutes with no solution. This resulted in the match officials calling off the match with only two minutes played.
LIMPOPO MARRED WITH DUBIOUS OFFICIATING CONTROVERSY FOR YEARS
Abandoning matches is not a strange trend in the SAFA-run league in the province of Limpopo. For years, the league has been marred with controversy with regard to match officiating and teams walking off the pitch.
Two weeks ago, a match between Sunrise FC and Mohlabile United was abandoned after a penalty decision was given to the home team.
Mohlabile decided to leave the pitch in the 43rd minute of the match with the scoreline remaining 1-1. The matter is also currently under review and resolution by SAFA Limpopo.
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