PSL referees slammed by former Fifa official for allowing Orlando Pirates winger Mofokeng to be 'targeted' in an attempt to 'destroy' Bafana Bafana international

Orlando Pirates youngster Relebohile Mofokeng has been unfairly challenged in recent Premier Soccer League games.

Against SuperSport United, the winger was caught just above the ankle by Pogiso Sanoka but despite it being a dangerous tackle, the latter was not sent off.

In the match against AmaZulu, Boniface Haba almost sent Mofokeng to the stands with another illegal challenge. Former Fifa referee Victor Hlungwani was not impressed with what he saw.

"[SuperSport's Sanoka] got a yellow card but what do you see there? That tackle is above the ankle, and it endangers the safety of an opponent," Safa Gauteng Referees' boss stated.

"So, Sanoka should’ve been sent off for serious foul play. 

"[The first tackle from Haba in the AmaZulu game] is reckless; it means he acted with disregard to danger of consequences for his opponent  

"That’s a yellow card, he got nothing. It should’ve been a yellow card for playing with disregard. Now, the same Haba does serious foul play again on Mofokeng. This player should’ve been sent off for serious foul play," Hlungwani continued.

"They are destroying these boys, because he’s a very good player. They’re tackling him, the referees have a duty to protect all skillful players."

This season has seen several stars ruled out for longer periods owing to injuries suffered either at the club or international level.

Kaizer Chiefs star Edson Castillo will be out for at least four months after sustaining an injury against SuperSport United. 

Pirates defender Olisa Ndah is out until 2025 after his injury in the top-tier outing with Polokwane City.

Themba Zwane of Mamelodi Sundowns was injured during an international assignment with Bafana Bafana and is out until the new year.

Angola international Carlinhos tore his anterior cruciate ligament before making his Cape Town City debut and is set to miss the first half of the PSL.

The aforementioned incidents have put the referees in the limelight, meaning they have to be vigilant to ensure they protect players from dangerous tackles.

It again brings back the VAR topic because, with the technology, some incidents could not go unpunished.