All Eyes on Referee Appointment Ahead of MTN8 Final
As Orlando Pirates prepare to face Stellenbosch FC in the MTN8 final at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday evening. All eyes are not only on the players but also on who will take charge of the whistle. Refereeing has become a contentious issue in recent editions of the tournament, with back-to-back finals marred by controversy.
Orlando Pirates’ Dominance and Refereeing Shadows
The Soweto giants head into their fourth consecutive MTN8 final, having lifted the trophy in the last three seasons. However, two of those triumphs have been marred by refereeing debates that continue to linger in fans’ minds.
In the 2023 final, Pirates beat Mamelodi Sundowns on penalties after a goalless draw, but referee Abongile Tom came under fire. Sundowns fans and neutrals accused him of denying the Tshwane side “two clear penalties.” Despite the backlash, Tom was surprisingly handed another MTN8 final the following year, when Pirates once again faced Stellenbosch.
That 2024 clash produced further drama. Stellies’ Lehlohonolo Mojela stemmed from a throw-in taken several yards ahead of where the ball had gone out. Later, Pirates capitalized from a quickly taken free-kick, also from the wrong spot, to go 2-1 ahead in a game that was otherwise heading for extra-time. Stellies coach Steve Barker described Tom’s handling of the moment as “three errors in one decision,” fueling the outcry.
Badi’s Trail of Big-Game Controversies
Another referee under the spotlight is Luxolo Badi. While he managed the 2022 MTN8 final without major incident in Pirates’ 1-0 win over AmaZulu, his record since has been less forgiving.
In 2023, he was accused of ignoring two penalty calls for Kaizer Chiefs against Sundowns, which led to his suspension. A year later, he was again at the center of debate after a disputed penalty and red card for Inacio Miguel against Sundowns in the Carling Knockout.
Most recently, Badi was accused of awarding a “dubious” penalty to Pirates during their 4-2 win over AmaZulu in the 2024 Nedbank Cup quarterfinals, a decision that reignited questions about his consistency in big matches.
Also read: Mbombela Stadium Confirmed as Venue for 2025 MTN8 Final
Who Gets the Final Call?
Traditionally, the Referee of the Season is expected to officiate the showpiece, but that has not been the case in recent MTN8 finals. Victor Hlungwane, Masixole Bambiso, and Romario Phiri all past winners of the accolade were overlooked despite their recognition.
Bambiso, who scooped the award last season, remains a strong candidate to be entrusted with this year’s final. Yet, with the recent history of high-profile refereeing controversies in the competition, the appointment carries added weight.
On Saturday at 18:00, fans will be watching not just the battle between Pirates and Stellies, but also how the referee in the middle handles the pressure of a final already clouded by a contentious legacy.
Related article: Pirates vs Stellenbosch MTN8 Final Tickets Sold-Out
