Pablo Franco Martin, head coach of AmaZulu. Picture: Muzi Ntombela, BackpagePix
AmaZulu coach Pablo Franco Martin has laid into the Premier Soccer League (PSL) refereeing standards after his side’s controversial defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns.
Usuthu suffered a third successive defeat in all competitions after having a penalty awarded against them in the first half, and they were denied what seemed to be a legitimate Pule Ekstein goal in the second half.
Lucas Ribeiro converted the Sundowns penalty in the 22nd minute, and that would be the decisive strike.
Spanish-born mentor Martin did not mince his words in the post-match media conference, accusing the referee on the day, Thabo Mkhabela, and his assistants of deciding the result.
Nightmares of Usuthu’s Carling Knockout Cup semi-final loss to TS Galaxy were also revived for Martin as he expressed his dissatisfaction with what he deemed continuous dishonest treatment of his side.
“Tomorrow in the newspapers and today in the table, it will say that we lost the game 1-0, but today, AmaZulu beat the best team in Africa – but unlikely. Four people decided the opposite,” said Martin.
🟢 𝗪𝗘 𝗡𝗘𝗘𝗗 𝗧𝗢 𝗕𝗘 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗗 💬
— AmaZulu FC (@AmaZuluFootball) December 7, 2023
Head Coach @FrancoMPablo says the team defended well and he is very proud of last night's amazing performance.#Indlulamithi#HebeUsuthu#UsuthuTogether pic.twitter.com/ZlUmESfoss
When asked further what he was unhappy about, he responded: “You were watching the game, and you’re watching our games. It’s about time that someone says something about how unfair and how badly we are treated.”
The former Simba AC mentor also felt that previous officiating performances had hampered his side’s chances of competing higher up the table.
“It happened again in the (Carling Knockout Cup) semi-final three days ago and many times during the league, and we are not saying anything,” Martin said.
“I think with a fair situation, we would be right now probably fighting for the top four without having that position ... we would be in the final right now.”
The clash between Usuthu and Sundowns had a fiery feel to it from the onset despite being played in rainy conditions.
A clash between the two sets of coaches before half-time was a clear indication of the tension in the encounter, a squabble that would later be squashed in the tunnel with a hug and handshake between Martin and Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena.
The home side put up a commendable fight and found numerous openings against a Sundowns side who were uncharacteristically on the ropes for large periods.
A clearly inconsolable Martin praised his side’s endeavour and performance against the defending DStv Premiership champions, and took home positives from the encounter.
“I think today we played a great game against the best team in Africa. During many minutes, we dominated them, and we created chances and scored one goal.
“It’s the first time for me seeing them wasting time in these games of PSL, even (towards) the end of the first half. I think we need to be proud, but unlikely again without points after performing so good.”
Usuthu will next take to the field on Wednesday when they welcome Sekhukhune United to KwaZulu-Natal.
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