‘Orlando Pirates played with 12, not 11’: Da Cruz cries foul

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz blamed the referee following his team’s 2-1 defeat to Orlando Pirates on Saturday

The 57-year-old was not happy with Luxolo Badi’s officiating, believing the Buccaneers were favoured.

Speaking after the match, Da Cruz felt his side controlled the match in the first half but failed to take their chances.

“The analysis of the match is very easy – the match should have finished in the first half for two reasons: We lacked efficiency – we should have led 2-0 or 3-0 in the first half – and secondly, Pirates played with 12, not 11,” Da Cruz said before detailing the referee’s decisions.

Da Cruz not happy with Pirates goals

The French coach argued Mbuthuma’s first goal was offside and should have had a player sent off.

“The first goal was offside, and then a Pirates player should have received a second yellow card and subsequently a red card. Normally, we should have played 11 against 10, not 11 versus 11.”

Da Cruz suffered his first defeat at the hands of Orlando Pirates.

Amakhosi went down 1-0 to Mbuthuma’s goal but Pule Mmodi equalised after a mistake from Sipho Chaine. Tshepang Moremi restored the lead for Pirates in the second half to give Abdeslam Ouaddou valuable three points.

Did Pirates benefit?