Barker: Tom Killed The Game
Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker was left fuming after the controversial second goal in their 3-1 loss to Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 final at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
Barker, arriving at the press conference, was visibly upset but managed to choose his words carefully to avoid harshly criticizing referee Abongile Tom, knowing the potential consequences from the league.
As the game seemed to be heading for a 1-1 draw and extra time, Ismail Toure fouled Patrick Maswanganyi. Tom awarded a free kick, but Relebohile Mofokeng quickly took the ball from the incident location to set up Tshegofatso Mabasa for the second goal.
Mofokeng then sealed the victory with the third goal, leaving Sage Stephens and Athenkosi Mcaba on the floor before slotting the ball into the empty net.
While Barker had no issues with the third goal, he was furious about the second.
“Unfortunately, you won’t get much from me this evening,” Barker began at the press conference.
“I thought it was a good, competitive football match. However, there was a decision that was absolutely indescribable. The free kick could have been taken from four to five meters towards the goal, and it changed the complexion of the game.”
“I was looking forward to extra time. I thought we were starting to look like the better team, and I believed we would have lifted the trophy.”
“Unfortunately, the focus should have been on the match, the good tactics of each team, and the competitiveness. But it will be about the referee’s decision, and I’m very disappointed but also proud of our effort.”
“When you work so hard to reach the final and compete, and then see the game taken away from you like that, it’s a difficult pill to swallow. People might feel like it’s sour grapes, but it’s not. The referee failed to start the game where the free kick was and changed the course of the game.”
As Pirates made history by becoming the first side to win the MTN8 three times in a row, they also became the first side to win the MTN8 trophy with an increase in prize money of R10 million.