Fans vote with their feet after ref's decisions

14 January 2016 - 02:10 By Khanyiso Tshwaku

If it was not for some overzealous officiating, last night's clash between Golden Arrows and Ajax Cape Town could - and would have - been exciting. They had to settle for a 1-all draw at King Zwelithini Stadium.It did not do much for their log positions as Ajax remain in the bottom half, while Arrows crept to fifth ahead of Platinum Stars.Ajax looked and played like a team that last won a competitive match in September. They were disjointed defensively and it was no surprise when Arrows scored first in the 19th minute through Andile Fikizolo's penalty.It came through Franklin Cale's unnecessary push on Kudakwashe Mahachi, but spurred Roger de Sa's men into action and they equalised a minute later through Cale.The first half degenerated into a tactical dogfight, but referee Olani Kwinda had a lot do to with it.Reprising his performance from the Maritzburg United/SuperSport United game on Sunday, Kwinda's game management bordered on pedantic.He micromanaged each foul and refused to let the game gather momentum. It incensed the crowd, who felt the home side were not getting the rub of the green. They left in droves at the end of the first half with some hurling expletives at officials.They seemed to have in mind that Kwinda played a part in robbing Maritzburg United of a deserved three points in Polokwane on Sunday.Some of their invective was also directed at the players, who could not find the intensity that saw them claim an impressive 3-1 win at Free State Stars on Saturday.The same could be said of Ajax Cape Town, who have not been the same since player Cecil Lolo's death in October last year.If it was not for Anssi Jaakkola's acrobatics, Arrows should have taken the lead in the 62nd minute, when Khenyeza's shot from Chris Katjiukua hit the bar.The last 10 minutes was a show-off between Jaakkola and rookie Arrows keeper Nkosingiphile Gumede, but their saves kept their teams above water.Arrows host Chippa United at Chatsworth Stadium on Saturday...

There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.

From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.

For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.

Already subscribed? Sign in below.



Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.