Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Junior Khanye has weighed in on the controversial penalty moment in the MTN 8 semi-final second leg between Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs this past weekend, saying he would not have given it.
Sundowns midfielder Thapelo Maseko appeared to have kicked Mduduzi Mdantsane in the box towards the end of the game in the 2-1 victory but referee Luxolo Badi waved play on.
Chiefs supporters feel aggrieved because that moment could have changed the complexion of the game, as a converted spot-kick would’ve given them away-goal advantage with just two minutes left to play.
Khanye says it was a close call but he believes the touch wasn’t strong enough to warrant a spot-kick. He even went as far as comparing it to the recent penalty Sundowns got when Themba Zwane was fouled in the DStv Premiership against Orlando Pirates last week.
“Having looked at the penalty, I think it’s debatable, that’s my opinion” Khanye said on IDiski TV.
“Yes there was a touch but I’m not sure it was big enough but someone else would have given it.
“I’d also understand, if someone else gave it and I also understand why it wasn’t given. If another referee gave it I wouldn’t even debate it, same as the one who didn’t.
“What I’m trying to say is that the decision was always going to be two ways because another referee would have given it on another day.
“Even with the Themba Zwane situation I can’t say his touch was more than this one. There was a foul on Themba in the box but he also ‘bought it’. Yes there was a foul but the way he stretched out it was the doing of an experienced player. He is too smart. Yes he was fouled but that stretch wasn’t warranted.
“So even him another referee may have not given. I can’t compare because they are more or less the same yes Themba was fouled but I don’t think it was enough.
“But I wouldn’t have given the penalty because the touch wasn’t enough even Mshishi’s against Pirates I wouldn’t have given it.”
You can listen to Khanye’s full analysis of the match between Sundowns and Chiefs on iDiskiTV official YouTube channel.
