Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rhulani Mokwena expressed dissatisfaction with the refereeing during the DStv Premiership match against Moroka Swallows. The team drew 2-2, with the champions conceding a late equalizer after throwing away a 2-0 lead. Mokwena alleged that the referee had received help from his earpiece through video replay, even though VAR is not used in South African football. He emphasized that the assistant referee had raised questions by signaling for offside, which led to consultations that Mokwena found questionable.
He also voiced concern that such situations could tarnish the reputation of South African football on a global scale. Mokwena highlighted his understanding of the laws of the game but expressed frustration with the lack of focus on actual football issues. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the image and reputation of South African football, as it is observed by people worldwide. Mokwena stressed that the impact goes beyond himself and extends to South African football as a whole.
Nevertheless, it is conceivable that the referee was not consulting with a video assistant replay viewer, and the conversation over the earpiece could have been with another official on the field. Despite the contentious refereeing decisions, Mamelodi Sundowns would soon face ES Tunis in the CAF Champions League semi-finals.