You see poor decisions week in and week out in the PSL, says Makaab

Former Orlando Pirates league-winning coach and renowned agent Mike Makaab has bemoaned the standard of refereeing in South Africa.

The Premier Soccer League officials were caught up in controversy yet again over the weekend during the Stellenbosch FC and Kaizer Chiefs Nedbank Cup quarterfinal at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha.

Chiefs won 3-1 with two goals in stoppage time to advance to the semifinals, but Stellies coach Steve Barker was livid with the Amakhosi’s second goal.

Stellies goalkeeper Sage Stephens appeared to have been nudged off the ball while trying to punch out a corner. With Stephens out of action it allowed Chiefs winger Pule Mmodi to tap the ball into the net.

The assistant referee held up his flag to indicate a foul on Stephens, but was later overruled by referee Sikhumbuzo Gasa and Mmodi’s goal was allowed to hand Chiefs a crucial 2-1 lead.

Barker was fuming after the match as it’s not the first refereeing controversy that has gone against Stellies against Chiefs.

Makaab’s view is that while Stellies have reason to feel disgruntled, the overall standard of officiating needs to be reviewed.

“Sadly, the standard of officiating is declining in our football and that directly affects the credibility and integrity of the game,” Makaab, who runs ProSport International agency, posted on his X account.

Having led Pirates to the PSL title back in 1994, Makaab was attacked with replies such as “I wonder if you would be singing the same song if @KaizerChiefs lost the game.”

The 70-year-old stressed that his concerns did not relate to any particular team.

“It’s unfair to say one particular side benefits. If you view many games, you will see poor decisions week in and week out,” he said.

There have been major calls recently for the Premiership to introduce technology to assist referees as it does in major leagues around the world and Makaab added his voice to the choir.

“It’s time to professionalize the referees and assistant referees and to seriously consider technology to assist them,” he added.