Sibisi Urges Bafana To Accept Ref Decisions Ahead Of Crucial Zimbabwe Clash
Bafana Bafana defender Nkosinathi Sibisi has emphasised the need for South Africa to accept refereeing decisions and move forward following their controversial 1-0 defeat to Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
South Africa now turns their attention to a decisive final Group B match against Zimbabwe, scheduled for Monday evening (18:00) at Stade de Marrakech, as they look to keep their AFCON campaign alive.
The loss to Egypt remains difficult to digest for Bafana, particularly given the importance of securing maximum points in the tightly contested group. However, Sibisi believes dwelling on officiating decisions will only distract the team from its objectives.
“For us, we just want to play the game,” said Sibisi.
“I don’t think decisions are made from the players’ perspective, but you can’t cry over spilled milk. Whatever decision the officials make is final, and we just have to keep playing.”
The Orlando Pirates defender also admitted that modern football has become increasingly challenging due to the lack of clarity around certain rules, particularly those relating to handball interpretations.
“The game is becoming difficult and confusing for everyone,” he added.
“You don’t always know when to jump or where to put your hands. What might be considered unnatural to one person may be natural to another. As players, all we can do is play the best way we know how.”
Sibisi stressed that while referees are responsible for interpreting the laws of the game, players must focus on their performances rather than external factors.
“The rules are there for the officials to apply. For us as players, it’s not always easy, but we just have to adapt.”
Bafana Bafana now face a Zimbabwe side with a modest AFCON record, having won just three matches in the tournament’s history—against Algeria in 2004, Ghana in 2006, and Guinea at the 2022 edition. Despite the statistics, South Africa will be wary of underestimating their southern African rivals in what promises to be a high-stakes encounter.
Moreover, although Bafana Bafana have faced Zimbabwe 12 times since 2000, this will be the first time the two sides meet at the Africa Cup of Nations.
