Swazi Observer

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MANYATSI LEFT FUMING

By XOLISILE SACOLO | 2024-04-29

SOCCER - DENVER Sundowns head coach Musa Manyatsi was left fuming over the match officiating after they lost 0-1 to Mbabane Highlanders at KaLanga Technical Centre on Saturday. Manyatsi lamented the awarding of the penalty in the dying minutes of the match that allowed Highlanders to get all three points. The coach and his players were seen complaining to the referee after what looked like an offside but the protest fell on deaf ears. Manyatsi felt that an offside should have been called instead. “My feeling is that the game was decided by the officials, on the field and outside of the field. We could have got something from this match, had it not been for the poor officiating.” Manyatsi said he was shocked to see the referee pointing to the spot as his decision cost them the match. “I think you guys (media) know me long enough to know that I do not really comment on officials - they make mistakes - but today I felt like it was really poor officiating. I try to respect decisions and give the benefit of the doubt, but when I see that level of incompetence, then that makes me worry for the game.

” He said this was really disappointing because it took so much to prepare for the match. “There is nothing we can do. We will take the loss and move forward. Our plan was to get three points and plan for the next three games.” Manyatsi commended his players for the great fighting spirit. “My boys played well despite the loss. “The penalty really left us with an uphill task in the league but credit to my players. they kept going, and their goalkeeper made a few good saves.” He said they would continue working hard until the end of the season. “We will try and do our best in the remaining three games.” On the other hand, Mbabane Highlanders head coach Milton Dlamini said he was happy with the performance of the players. “We created a number of chances but we could not take most of them. “Otherwise, the display from the boys was on point,” he said. He said this result was important for them going to the Mbabane derby against archrivals Mbabane Swallows this weekend. Dlamini also applauded their goalkeeper Ntokozo Shabangu for recording a clean sheet.

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