AmaZulu FC coach Arthur Zwane slams refereeing after Nedbank Cup win

His comments came after Usuthu secured a 1-0 victory over Richards Bay FC in the Round of 16 of the Nedbank Cup at uMhlathuze Sports Complex on Friday.

Hendrick Ekstein scored the only goal of the match, but Zwane's focus was on two clear penalty appeals waved away. Ekstein appeared to be pushed inside the box, and shortly after, Nkosikhona Radebe was clipped in the area - yet referee Badi allowed play to continue.

"We could have easily won 3-0 or 4-0 today," Zwane said.

"Not half-chances, but clear-cut chances. I believe we had two penalties as well. I don't want to talk about referees, but especially about this particular match official.

"The same person officiated when we played against Marumo Gallants. The ball was kept in play after it had gone out in the same competition, with the same referee. Some of these incidents are just uncalled for. Sandile Mthethwa was pushed from behind and almost scored an own goal, yet our penalty appeals were ignored. We feel uncomfortable whenever we see this referee; it's not on. We can't carry on like this."

Despite the contentious decisions, AmaZulu became the first team to secure a spot in the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals since the 2023/24 season, when they were eliminated by Orlando Pirates, who eventually lifted the trophy.

Usuthu will now turn their attention to the Betway Premiership, hosting Mamelodi Sundowns at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Tuesday.