Orlando Pirates coach Mandla Ncikazi felt hard done by from the Video Assistant Referee technology, which had some controversial moments in Sunday's CAF Confederations Cup clash.
Ncikazi was brimming with confidence after his side's hard-fought penalty shootout victory over their Tanzanian counterparts at the Orlando Stadium after the match ended 1-0 in favour of the hosts.
However, the coach was left baffled by VAR, which was implemented on the day. Ncikazi highlighted its shortcomings which was underlined by some inconsistent officiating in big moments, which could have cost Pirates a spot in the semi-final.
VAR played its part when Crispin Mugalu was rightfully sent off in the second half for an atrocious challenge on Olisa Ndah; however, it denied the Buccaneers what appeared to be two legitimate penalty claims in the match.
"At some point I saw the officials going to VAR, which was functioning. At some point it didn't function. I think in my eyes from where I was standing I also saw two hand balls. I don't know whether it's a manipulation of the rule, but it would have been nice to refer the two hand balls to VAR, why it was not working is amazing in my eyes," he told journalists after the game.
Ncikazi reserved special praise for the club's supporters who rallied in their numbers behind the team and says the technical team was quick to remind the players that the victory transcended international borders.
"Let me thank the Pirates supporters. I think they gave our players the necessary support. I want to thank the players for their efforts. Pirates can be like this, which we shared with them, we were not only representing the badge, [but] it was also South Africans and millions of internationals that we have in our team.
"We are in the right direction; we are in the semi-final – let's take it from there," he concluded.
