SAFA responds to referee claims after Orlando Pirates derby victory

SAFA's head of referees called for public education on the laws of the game when asked about claims official Luxolo Badi previously supported Orlando Pirates, who extended their unbeaten run to 22 matches.

SAFA Head of Referees Abdul Ebrahim has responded to media inquiries about claims referee Luxolo Badi previously supported Orlando Pirates. Ebrahim sidestepped the specific allegations, instead highlighting a broader need for public education on football's rules. The debate follows Orlando Pirates' 2-1 victory over Kaizer Chiefs on October 31, a result that extended the club's historic unbeaten league run to 22 matches. That derby win, with goals from Yanela Mbuthuma and Tshepang Moremi, was part of a perfect recent run of five wins and no draws or losses, a streak that includes victories over Milford FC, African Stars, and TS Galaxy.

Scrutiny of Badi emerged after alleged historical social media posts suggesting he was an Orlando Pirates supporter circulated online following the Soweto derby. The claims have sparked questions about potential conflicts of interest in referee appointments for high-stakes fixtures.

Ebrahim calls for rule education

When sought for comment, Abdul Ebrahim stated there is a critical need to educate the public on football's laws. He expressed disappointment that broadcasters SuperSport and SABC lack the time or resources for such initiatives and suggested newspapers might one day publish the laws of the game. Ebrahim emphasized that referees must maintain impartiality regardless of any personal club allegiances they may have had. He concluded his response by stating he was disappointed with the current situation.

The official did not clarify SAFA's conflict of interest guidelines for referee appointments or whether officials must disclose past club loyalties. This leaves unanswered questions about the safeguards in place for matches like the recent derby, where Orlando Pirates secured a key three points to stay firmly in the title race. The team sits second in the Premier Soccer League with 25 points from nine games, having won eight, drawn one, and lost none. They are just one point behind the league leaders.

That win, secured with goals from Yanela Mbuthuma and Tshepang Moremi, kept Pirates second in the Premier Soccer League. They have 25 points from nine games, just one point behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, and have the league's best defensive record with only two goals conceded. The team is on a five-game winning streak and their next challenge is an away fixture against 14th-placed Siwelele on November 4. Top scorer Tshepang Moremi, with five goals this season, will be key as the Buccaneers look to maintain their record-breaking form. The squad's impressive form is built on a formidable defensive record, having conceded only two goals while scoring 21 this season.

The team now turns its focus to the upcoming match against Siwelele, aiming to extend their remarkable form.