Zwane Slams Badi And Is Now Uncomfortable To See Him
AmaZulu coach Arthur Zwane says the standard of officiating in the PSL is “getting worse” and admits he feels “uncomfortable” whenever Luxolo Badi is appointed to officiate their matches.
Zwane insisted he does not like discussing referees, but felt compelled to speak out after Usuthu’s 1-0 victory over Richards Bay in the Nedbank Cup Round of 16 at Umhlathuze Sports Complex on Friday.
Usuthu had two strong penalty appeals waved away. Hendrick Ekstein, who scored the decisive goal, appeared to be pushed inside the box, but Badi did not award a spot-kick. Shortly afterwards, Nkosikhona Radebe was clipped in the area, yet the referee again allowed play to continue.
Despite the contentious decisions, AmaZulu became the first team to book their place in the quarter-finals.
“We could have easily won 3-0 or 4-0 today [on Friday],” said Zwane.
“Not half-chances, but clear-cut chances. I believe we had two penalties as well. I don’t want to talk about referees, but especially about this particular match official.
“We managed before when we played against Orlando Pirates, so I don’t want to fight. I’m tired. I don’t know whether to make noise or what.
“The same person officiated when we played against Marumo Gallants. The ball was kept in play after it had gone out in the same competition, with the same referee. What do we do when things happen like this?
“Some of these incidents are just uncalled for. Sandile Mthethwa was pushed from behind and almost scored an own goal, yet our penalty appeals were ignored.
“I didn’t want to talk about this — not because we won — but I feel the situation is getting worse. It can’t always be the same person. We feel uncomfortable whenever we see this referee; it’s not on.
“We can’t carry on like this.”
AmaZulu have now reached the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals for the first time since the 2023/24 season, when they were eliminated by Orlando Pirates, who went on to lift the trophy.
Usuthu will now shift their focus to the Betway Premiership, where they host Mamelodi Sundowns at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Tuesday.
