Theron’s Nightmare Sends Arrows Crashing Out Of Nedbank Cup

Brandon Theron endured a nightmare as he scored an own goal for Golden Arrows as well as an apparent equalizer, leading to a 2-1 defeat against Chippa United in the Nedbank Cup Round of 32 at Mpumalanga Stadium on Saturday.

The former Maritzburg United player initially appeared to have equalized for Arrows, canceling out Sinoxolo Kwayiba’s goal for Chippa. However, replays suggested it was not conclusive if had crossed the line or not, with Chippa defender Thabo Mokhele’s attempted clearance deemed insufficient.

This marks another early exit for Arrows in the Nedbank Cup, following last season’s first-round elimination. They were aiming to reach the round of 16 for the first time since 2023, with their best showing in the competition being a semi-final appearance in the 2018/19 season, where they lost to TS Galaxy in extra time.

Chippa, who reached the semi-finals last season, losing to eventual champions Orlando Pirates, will be hoping for a deeper run this year. Their best performance in the cup came in the 2020/21 season, where they reached the final but lost to Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila.

The game started at a frantic pace, with Arrows creating the best chance in the last minute of the first half when Gladwin Shitolo’s header from a corner was brilliantly saved by Chippa goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.

The deadlock was broken in the 71st minute when substitute Giovanni Philander delivered a dangerous corner, and Kwayiba powerfully headed home past a helpless Ismail Watenga.

Five minutes later, Theron’s nightmare began. He appeared to have equalized with a clever turn, but replays weren’t clear if the ball may have crossed the line. His joy was short-lived, as his attempted clearance was knocked in by Aphelele Teto from close range.

Tebogo Tlolane’s late free-kick narrowly missed the target, denying Arrows a late equalizer.

There was a moment of concern when Theron was struck in the back by Watenga, leaving him dazed. Although he returned to the field, the incident raised concerns about the well-being of footballers, highlighting the lack of concussion protocols in South African football and around the world as players don’t conduct HIA unlike rugby.