THOHOYANDOU – Controversy surrounds the 3-2 victory for Orlando Pirates over Black Leopards in their Castle Premiership League match that was played at the packed Thohoyandou Stadium on Saturday.

The victory was not a true reflection of the game, as the home side were the superiors from the start to the bitter end in as far as ball possession is concerned. As usual, Lidoda duvha created numerous chances and squandered the majority of them. Edward Malinga, the Pirates full-back, was booked for pulling Mulondo Sikhwivhilu by the jersey within the danger area, nine minutes into the game. An incident similar to that one occurred five minutes thereafter.

This time around, the Leopards’ left back, David Solopi, was booked for obstructing Phumudzo Manenzhe. The scoreboard was still blank when the Newcastle referee, Brian Sibisi, blew the half-time whistle. Tyron Ar-endse opened the Buccaneers’ account in the 54th minute, after a corner kick that was taken by Steve Lekoelea.

Leopards introduced Rudzani Ramudzuli at the expense of Sbusiso Dlamini. Tyron Arendse capitalized on the Leopards keeper, Amon Phophi’s handling error and scored the Pirates’ goal in the 64th minute. Tonic Chabalala trapped Eric Ramavhale of Leopards on his way to score his side’s first goal. That was a clear penalty for Leopards. Their captain, Duncan Lechesa, converted it. Almost everyone started to question the integrity of the referee when he awarded the visiting team a penalty in the 74th minute. Even the Pirates’ technical staff looked shocked when Sibisi pointed at the white spot saying David Solopi had handled the ball in an attempt to clear. Gift Leremi scored from the spot.

“This is daylight robbery,” shouted some of the angry Leopards fans, who continuously booed the referee until the end of the game. To rub salt in the Leopards’ bleeding wound, Sibisi flashed a yellow card to Solopi that was subsequently followed by a red one on the basis that it was a second bookable offence. Leopards did not lose their fighting spirit de-spite the odds. They reduced the margin via Mulondo Sikhwivhilu on the stroke of full time.