ABC Motsepe league log leaders, Mpheni Defenders.
By: Refilwe Sebola
ABC Motsepe League log leaders Mpheni Defenders have crowned themselves champions of stream B following their abandoned game against Winnerspark last Saturday.
The Elim-based side had two of their penalties denied by Winnerspark during their crucial away game at Westfalia sports ground. Mpheni needed to win the game to clinch the title. However, they were awarded two penalties during the game which sparked protests from Winnerspark players.
They claimed that the first penalty was not legitimate as the ball hit the defender’s thigh, and the defender’s hand was in a natural position during the second penalty attempt. Despite this, PSL referee Koki Mapelo and his DDC assistants pointed to the penalty spot on both occasions.
Winnerspark’s Kwazulu Natal-born goalkeeper Sthembiso Miya vacated his position in goal to disallow the kick from being taken leading to the game’s abandonment.
Mpheni chairperson and coach Sydwell Phuravhathu was convinced that his team had won the game and the league. “We have won the game, what’s left for us? This is three points. They abandoned the game and we are confident that (SAFA) will award us three points” he said. “We will not allow SAFA to run on top of our head. We are not like all these other teams who allow SAFA to run on top of their heads. They will give us three points, we came here with costs and we will not replay the game again with costs” he continued.
“We can’t continue with this kind of attitude. We will not spoon feed them, they have to fight for their status. .
Phuravhathu also criticized Winnerspark’s behavior, stating that they had abandoned games before and that the league had not attended to these issues. Meanwhile, SAFA Limpopo Referees chairperson Ephraim Singo confirmed that there would be no replay for abandoned games. Mpheni is still on top of the league by three points after second-placed Emmanuel drew their game against Vondwe X1 Bullets 0-0.