Winnerspark boss Robert Mokgola
By: Refilwe Sebola
Winnerspark FC has lodged a complaint regarding their recent 1-0 loss to Mpheni Defenders in a league match that took place last Saturday at Rabali Stadium.
The match represented the inaugural contest of the ABC Motsepe League for both teams. Robert Mokgola, the chairman of Winnerspark, asserts that the penalty awarded to Mpheni was wholly unwarranted.
He contends that the ball made contact with one of his players in the abdomen within the penalty area; nevertheless, the linesman quickly signaled for a penalty. As both a lawyer and politician, Mokgola has engaged a cameraman to record the match and possesses compelling video evidence that calls into question the linesman’s decision.
“We will not tolerate such officiating within our league. It is entirely unacceptable. Each time we face Mpheni, they appear to receive a penalty—how is this plausible?” he stated. “I demand substantial action, and I would like to see the referee either suspended or dismissed.” This is not the first incidence of this nature between the two teams; during the previous season’s second round, their match was abandoned following Winnerspark’s protest concerning another penalty awarded to Mpheni.
Furthermore, it is important to note that this match marked Winnerspark’s debut under new coach Stanley Kgatla, who was appointed only three days prior to the contest. Reports indicate that the team demonstrated considerable improvement in both organization and performance.