As Orlando Pirates prepare to face Stellenbosch FC in the MTN8 final at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday evening. All eyes are not only on the players but also on who will take charge of the whistle. Refereeing has become a contentious issue in recent editions of the tournament, with back-to-back finals marred by controversy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Soweto giants head into their fourth consecutive MTN8 final, having lifted the trophy in the last three seasons. However, two of those triumphs have been marred by refereeing debates that continue to linger in fans\u2019 minds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the 2023 final, Pirates beat Mamelodi Sundowns on penalties after a goalless draw, but referee Abongile Tom came under fire<\/a>. Sundowns fans and neutrals accused him of denying the Tshwane side \u201ctwo clear penalties.\u201d Despite the backlash, Tom was surprisingly handed another MTN8 final the following year, when Pirates once again faced Stellenbosch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That 2024 clash produced further drama. Stellies\u2019 Lehlohonolo Mojela stemmed from a throw-in taken several yards ahead of where the ball had gone out. Later, Pirates capitalized from a quickly taken free-kick, also from the wrong spot, to go 2-1 ahead in a game that was otherwise heading for extra-time. Stellies coach Steve Barker described Tom\u2019s handling of the moment as \u201cthree errors in one decision,\u201d fueling the outcry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n