Manqoba Mngqithi Voices Frustration Over Controversial Penalty Decisions vs Orlando Pirates
- Former Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has lashed out at refereeing during Carling All Stars' clash with Orlando Pirates
- The Lamontville Golden Arrows coach was in charge of the All Stars team, and lamented about his team being denied three penalties
- The South African mentor also shared the only reason why he would apologise for his statement regarding the penalties his team were denied
Lamontville Golden Arrows head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has complained about the Carling All Stars being denied three clear penalties during their clash against Orlando Pirates in the Carling Black Label Cup final on Saturday, December 13, 2025.
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Mngqithi’s squad made history as the first All-Star team to be unable to retain their Black Label title, suffering a 2-0 defeat to the Sea Robbers at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Second-half substitutes Sifiso Luthuli and Boitumelo Radiopane found the back of the net to secure the Buccaneers’ third trophy of the season under their newly appointed manager, Abdeslam Ouaddou.
The Moroccan tactician won his first trophy when the Soweto giants defeated Stellenbosch FC in the MTN8 final at the beginning, and the second title was the Carling Knockout Cup victory over Marumo Gallants.
Kaizer Chiefs forward Mfundo Vilakazi was the first to be brought down in the box, but his complaint for a penalty led to him being booked by the referee for simulation. Naledi Hlongwane was also tackled in the box by Olisa Ndah, but the centre referee waved play on.
Mngqithi complains about refereeing vs Pirates
Mngqithi expressed his frustration at being denied three penalties, which he believes were due to the threat his team posed to Orlando Pirates. He said in a post-match interview on SuperSport TV that it was unfortunate because, in his opinion, they could have won the game on any other given day.
He added that his team had three clear penalty appeals and praised their passing, field positioning, and vertical movements, which he felt created the penalty opportunities. He insisted that, from his perspective, the decisions were penalties and said he would be willing to apologise only if proven wrong.
The penalty calls the former Mamelodi Sundowns mentor pointed out later cost them the match as the Carling Knockout Cup champions scored two goals in the second half to win the Carling Label Cup for the first time in their history.
Source: Twitter
The Soweto giants then became the first Premier Soccer League club to beat the Carling All Stars since the competition was created in 2023. Stellenbosch FC lost to the All Stars in the first edition of the tournament, while 2024 Carling Knockout Champions Magesi FC lost.
Mngqithi speaks on state of SA clubs
Briefly News also reported that Mngqithi has aired his views concerning the future of South African football clubs after leading Lamontville Golden Arrows to victory in one of their games in the Carling Knockout Cup.
The South African tactician argued about the style of play from most clubs in the Premier Soccer League, as he claims most of them rely on playing long balls and second-ball situations.
Source: Briefly News
