Gavin Hunt demands VAR following controversial Nedbank Cup exit as Stellenbosch prepare for Kaizer Chiefs clash

Embattled Stellenbosch FC have been facing mounting challenges on and off the pitch and will seek redemption against Kaizer Chiefs on Tuesday evening after Saturday’s controversial Nedbank Cup exit.

The Winelands-based side will be reeling from a 1-0 defeat to Lamontville Golden Arrows, a match marred by controversy and critical refereeing decisions at King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi. The team have turned their thoughts to the pivotal clash against Chiefs at Soccer City, just two days after an agonising Nedbank Cup exit.

In an encounter that showcased Stellenbosch’s frustrations, referee Michael Mosemeng drew ire from the Stellenbosch camp after ignoring a blatant handball by Arrows skipper Ayanda Jiyane in the penalty area late in the second half.

The situation deteriorated for Stellenbosch when defender Thabo Moloisane received a red card, leaving his team down to 10 men for the remainder of the match.

With tempers flaring in the aftermath of the match, Stellenbosch coach Gavin Hunt expressed his frustration yet maintained a calm demeanour when discussing the contentious officiating.

“I think we’ve had three or four red cards now, so we’re running out of players, so it’s a problem,” Hunt stated, urging the team to focus on the upcoming clash with the formidable Chiefs. “We’re playing a team that has played one game in 10 days; we’ve played … three games in eight days.”

Despite the absence of a penalty that could have altered the course of the match, Hunt reflected on his team’s shortcomings in front of the opposition’s goals.

“There should only have been one winner. Injustice in football exists, but hey, that’s the nature of the game. You must score your goals, because at half-time it could’ve been 3-0. We have ourselves to blame, although not really.”

Hunt’s frustrations resonate with a growing chorus of voices within the Premier Soccer League (PSL) advocating for the introduction of VAR technology. He lamented the oversight of match officials, highlighting how their decisions have far-reaching implications on clubs’ fortunes.

“All the referee can say is ‘sorry’, but I don’t think they say sorry, do they? It affects livelihoods, and that’s why VAR must come in, especially in South Africa. Every week, there are controversial decisions, and it’s not even close decisions.”

Echoing this sentiment, Arrows’ coach Manqoba Mngqithi also called for a re-evaluation of the current system.

“To make some of the decisions, you need technology because the speed of the game will sometimes be faster than the referees. When you have the second chance to look at it, you will be able to see exactly what happened.”

As Stellenbosch FC ready themselves for a critical showdown against Chiefs, they must look past the heartbreak of this weekend. The need for resilience and a sharpened focus on goal-scoring will be paramount if they are to turn the tide in their upcoming fixture.

With Hunt’s leadership and the lessons learned from a frustrating cup exit, Stellenbosch will be eager to seize the moment and prove their mettle against South Africa’s most popular club.