Pitso admits Sundowns may have benefitted from an incorrect call

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane chimed in on the controversial las-minute call in the Telkom Knockout final against Maritzburg United, which saw his side cling on to their lead to walk away with the title.

A brace from new signing, Mauricio Affonso ensured that the Tshwane giants did not live to rue conceding an opportunistic strike from Judas Moseamedi, as they ran off 2-1 winners on the day. 

Pitso Mosimane reacts to heart-stopping moment

However, the game could have been forced into extra time after the Maritzburg striker found the net in stoppage time, only for the referee’s assistant to flag offside.

Speaking after the game, Mosimane said he felt no shame if it were to turn out that the disallowed goal was not offside.

“My heart stopped, I thought it’s a goal, thanks God I saw the linesman raising the flag, I don’t know if it’s offside or not, if it’s not, I benefited and I have no shame!” Mosimane told SuperSport TV.

“Some people have been getting all these benefits, I will get them, I want them for five games in a row. I’ve got no shame on that. It is the way it is in this Premier League, it’s a jungle.

“I didn’t see that [Sundowns’ penalty shout during the first-half], I have to be honest but look I’ve got no emotions, I’ve got cold nerves on the refereeing the way it happens in the country, if I have to benefit five games in a row I’ll glady take it home because people have done it in a series of games, so it’s my chance, congratulations to Mamelodi Sundowns, we’ve won it and fairly with good goals and that’s it, we lift the trophy, no stories!”

Pitso Mosimane

Mamelodi Sundowns reaping the benefits

Sundowns are the latest team to be accused of benefiting from a series of dubious calls.

During the midweek league fixture against Stellenbosch FC, the men from the capital drew level after being awarded a penalty which, according to replays, may have not stood if the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) was in place.

Saturday’s victory gave Sundowns their first domestic cup title since winning the MTN 8 in 2016.

It was also their ninth title in the seven years Mosimane has been in charge of the club.

The Brazilians have a midweek league fixture against Bidvest Wits, the first of four matches remaining for them until the end of the year.