Kaizer Chiefs robbed! Former PSL referee says Richards Bay striker Yanela Mbuthuma's goal should not have stood - 'That should’ve been ruled offside'

Former Premier Soccer League (PSL) referee Victor Hlungwani has explained how Kaizer Chiefs could have been robbed during their match against Richards Bay on Sunday.

Chiefs fell to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of struggling Richards Bay. Felize Gcaba struck the opening goal early in the second half, but it is Yanela Mbuthuma's goal in the 72nd minute that has caused a stir, as many judged he was offside and thus his goal should not have stood.

These claims have been backed up by Hlungwani, who said the Richards Bay attacker was offside, so his goal should not have counted.

“Let’s go to Mbuthuma. Mbuthuma here. Let’s go and have a look if he gained an advantage by being in that position", he told SABC's Soccerzone program.

“You can see the ball is played, and from home, you can see that Mbuthuma is standing in another position. We’ll draw the line for you to show you where he is standing. Whether he’s in an offside position or an onside position," Hlungwani explained.

“Let’s see where Mbuthuma is, and there he is in an offside position. Now we are going to look at the ball when it rebounds from the goal post. When he [Mbuthuma] plays it, he is offside, interfering or gaining advantage by being in that position."

“So, this was ruled onside; a goal was given. Incorrect decision because he gained an advantage by being in that position. That should’ve been ruled offside!” he added.

Chiefs, eighth on the table, fell to their ninth league defeat of the season, and the latest loss only adds pressure, especially to head coach Nasreddine Nabi.

Although Chiefs dropped crucial points, Richards Bay should feel a little relieved as the win boosted their survival chances. They are now 11th, with three more points than SuperSport United, who are 15th.

The challenge is on Papi Zothwane's charges to build a winning momentum from their Chiefs' victory.

Amakhosi need to dust themselves off as they prepare for their next games. Their main priority should be to return to winning ways and consequently relieve pressure on themselves.

After the international break, Amakhosi will face Golden Arrows on March 30 where they will look to restore confidence ahead of their upcoming Nedbank Cup semi final, which presents their last remaining opportunity to end their prolonged trophy drought.