Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker expressed his disbelief at his team’s 3-1 Nedbank Cup quarter-final loss to Kaizer Chiefs at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, citing a pattern of poor refereeing decisions against his side. He felt compelled to speak out.

Chiefs secured their semi-final berth, but Barker was particularly incensed by their second goal, scored by Pule Mmodi.

After Inacio Miguel’s first-half penalty for Chiefs was nullified by Andre de Jong’s equalizer for Stellenbosch, Mmodi put Chiefs ahead. He capitalized on a spilled ball, finding himself unmarked within the six-yard box. Referee Skhumbuzo Gasa initially awarded the goal, but then paused to consult his assistant referee, who flagged a potential foul on Stellenbosch goalkeeper Sage Stephens. Despite this, Gasa upheld his decision, leading to Barker’s outrage.

“I’m going to keep it brief; I’m not going to talk about the game,” Barker stated on SuperSport TV after the match. “Two years ago, in the MTN8 quarter-finals against Chiefs at Danie Craven Stadium, we had a 96th-minute penalty overturned. In the MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates in October, they were awarded a free-kick five meters [ahead of the actual foul location]. And today, the linesman raised his flag for a [clear] foul on our goalkeeper, which was then overturned. So, what can I say? Thank you,” Barker concluded, abruptly ending the interview.

While Barker’s frustration stemmed from the second goal, Stellenbosch were also responsible for Chiefs’ third. After a Stellenbosch corner was cleared by Chiefs’ Miguel, Lesiba Nku, as the last man, attempted to pass the ball back to Stephens. However, Stephens had moved forward to attack the corner, leaving the net unguarded. Mfundo Vilakazi seized the opportunity, running through and tapping the ball into the empty net.