Victor Hlungwani, a former PSL referee, believes that Siphesihle Ndlovu was lucky to remain on the pitch during the 1-1 draw between Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns. The Chiefs midfielder made several heavy challenges throughout the game, including a high tackle on Sundowns defender Keanu Cupido that left Cupido needing medical attention before being stretchered off the field.
The tackle on Cupido was the most contentious incident, and Hlungwani criticised referee Luxolo Badi for not dismissing Ndlovu. Hlungwani expressed his views on Soccerzone, saying, “Here, we are talking about serious foul play, a player endangering the safety of an opponent. When a player uses excessive force or brutality against an opponent, it must be sanctioned as serious foul play.”
Referee’s Decision Questioned
Hlungwani was shocked that Ndlovu only received a yellow card for the challenge on Cupido. He said, “You can clearly see the knee landing on the ribs of Cupido. This challenge endangered the safety of an opponent and should have been regarded as serious foul play.” Hlungwani felt that the referee should have given Ndlovu a straight red card instead of a yellow card.
Ndlovu was involved in two other incidents, one where he used his elbow on Khuliso Mudau and another where he was strangling Tashreeq Matthews. Hlungwani believed that Ndlovu could have received a second yellow card for the incident with Mudau and should have been booked for the incident with Matthews. He said, “What about the next one? Again, the same Ndlovu. What does he do, he’s strangling another player in a reckless manner.”
Red Card Debate
Hlungwani felt that Ndlovu should have been sent off for his challenges, saying, “He should’ve been sent off, but he was not sent off for all these challenges. It was the Ndlovu show and then he got away with murder. This is not right!” The former referee’s comments have sparked debate about whether Ndlovu deserved a red card for his actions during the game.
