A contentious VAR decision in Friday’s CAF Champions League ignited a fiery debate as Mamelodi Sundowns’ coach Rulani Mokwena opted for diplomatic restraint.
Mokwena acknowledged the frustration expressed by Young Africans’ coach Miguel Gamondi without passing judgment on the call following Sundowns’ penalty shoot-out quarter-final triumph at Loftus Stadium.
In a heated press conference, Gamondi vented his ire, accusing the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) of robbing his team after Aziz Ki’s goal attempt was deemed to have not crossed the line.
Mokwena, however, sidestepped direct engagement with the controversy, alluding to a previous non-penalty decision against his own team in the first half.
“I can empathise with him, feeling robbed is something every coach can understand,” Mokwena said post-match. “However, I prefer to focus on commending our opponents rather than delving into that discourse.”
He continued, “There were several other incidents, like the potential penalty for the elbow on Divine Lunga inside the box. I refrain from dwelling on such matters; perhaps if we had faced defeat, my stance might differ.
“Yet, let me extend grace and respect in victory, acknowledging them as worthy adversaries, both at home and away,” Mokwena concluded.
Looking ahead, Sundowns are slated to clash with Cape Town Spurs FC in the DStv Premiership on Tuesday, kicking off at 19:30 at Athlone Stadium.
