Swazi Observer

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‘WE WUZ ROBBED’

By SIPHOSETHU DLAMINI | 2024-04-15

SOCCER - DAYLIGHT robbery!
Rangers coach Mthunzi Ginindza was left cursing their gods and feeling robbed after a goal that he felt should not have been counted stood.

He said the ball was cleared before crossing the goal-line.
Ginindza said this after watching his team lose 0-1 to Mbabane Swallows during an MTN Premier League match at Mkhuzweni Technical Centre on Saturday.

He said their loss was partly due to the goal that should have been chalked off as the ball did not cross the line.

“I don’t want to talk about the referee but it’s clear that Swallows scored an illegitimate goal. Even Swallows players and their technical bench did not celebrate because they saw that the ball did not cross the line.

They continued to play, but only for the first assistant referee to count it in.” Ginindza said even the centre referee, who was close to the action, did not count the goal. “Swallows players were also shocked after the first assistant referee gave them the goal. “This was an illegal goal.

I know that the referee saw that it did not cross the goal-line, hence he did not point to the centre.”

He said he was not blaming the referee.
“I think VAR can really help us in such situations. For now, there is no review of the goal or whatsoever and I think we were let down. I don’t know if this is because we are a small team or what.”

He said Swallows were lucky to have been handed the three points on a silver platter.
The coach said despite the loss, he was happy with the players’ performance.

“My players were able to stick to our game-plan. We were better in the second half, but failed to convert the chances we created.

To me the game ended at 0-0. We have seen such a goal recently with Mamelodi Sundowns and it did not count."

On the other hand, Mbabane Swallows head coach Caleb Ngwenya said they tried to help the players recover from the Ingwenyama Cup final setback, where they lost to Green Mamba.
“The players were not mentally ready for the match, as they are still recovering from the loss.

We missed a number of clear-cut chances, which was a clear indication that something was lacking. We will encourage the players to do better in the upcoming games,” said Ngwenya.
He was happy with the three points as it would boost the players’ confidence.

“We are now at the top of the log table and it comes with a lot of pressure. We are now the team to beat. We will continue to work hard.”

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