Former FIFA referee Jerome Damon has come to the defense of the match
official who sent off Bafana Bafana defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi in the recent
World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe, stating the decision was justified.
The Orlando Pirates defender was dismissed in the goalless draw, a pivotal
moment that left South Africa with 10 men and complicated their
qualification path.
In an exclusive analysis, Damon explained that whether the referee viewed
the incident as a direct red card or a second yellow, the sending-off was
correct.
“I suspect it was his second caution. But either way, direct red or second
caution – there is a case for both,” Damon told Soccer Laduma. “If the
referee viewed it as striking the player, then it is a red. If not, then
it’s unsporting behaviour, which is a second yellow. If a second yellow is
confirmed then it was a correct red card.”
Forced Changes for Must-Win Clash
The suspension forces Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos into a defensive
reshuffle for the crucial final qualifier against Rwanda on Tuesday.
Stellenbosch FC defender Thabo Moloisane has been called up as a replacement
for the banned Mbokazi, who has been a key figure in Broos’s defense.
The Stakes for Tuesday
The result leaves South Africa’s World Cup fate hanging in the balance. A
victory against Rwanda at Mbombela Stadium is essential to keep automatic
qualification hopes alive.
The group scenario is tense:
- If Nigeria beats Benin, a win for South Africa will see them top the
group and qualify for the World Cup. - However, if Benin defeats Nigeria, then any result for Bafana Bafana
will not be enough to win the group.
Mbokazi’s absence adds a significant hurdle for a team already under immense
pressure to secure a vital win.
