Orlando Pirates coach Rhulani Mokwena did not hold back in his post-match presser as he slammed Kaizer Chiefs players for their thuggish behaviour, adding that Bernard Parker dived to win the decisive penalty in the closing stages.
Amakhosi got off to the perfect start as they were 2-0 up with 30 minutes gone after an opening minute own goal by Ntsikelelo Nyauza, who nodded past his own keeper in a horror error, and a Leonardo Castro header froma well worked corner.
Pirates though then fought back as first Vincent Pule pulled one back before half time with a magnificent free-kick before Gabhadinho Mhango netted the equaliser with 30 minutes to play.
The Sea Robbers then the team who looked most likely to go on and find a winner but with eight minutes left to play Chiefs were awarded a penalty when Bernard Parker went down in the Pirates box and the referee pointed to the spot. Daniel Cardoso stepped up and calmly converted the spot kick to fire Chiefs back ahead.
Tensions rose and emotions the boiled over in the final stages as a tussle broke out between the two players which eventually saw Chiefs defender Eric Mathoho sent off.
Speaking to the media after the game Mokwena insisted that Chiefs’ thuggish behaviour does not belong in South African football.
Here’s Mokwena’s comments:
Mokwena: – thuggish behavior doesn’t belong on a football pitch
– my player is bleeding with a broken nose because he got punched in the face
– Parker with an excellent diveThe Pirates coach doesn’t hold back.
Just watch Middendorp’s face 😐 pic.twitter.com/wryDrjEN6f— Dean Workman (@DeanoWorks) November 9, 2019
