Controversial PSL ref won't quit
Premier Soccer League referee Lwandile Mfiki says he will not quit refereeing after escaping a near strike with a vuvuzela from a Kaizer Chiefs fan.
Premier Soccer League referee Lwandile Mfiki says he will not quit refereeing after escaping a near strike with a vuvuzela from a Kaizer Chiefs fan.
According to an authorative soccer website, Mfiki was officiating this weekend's goalless draw between Golden Arrows and leaders Chiefs, which saw no fewer than seven yellow cards and one red dished out.
The 32-year old referee sent off Amakhosi's dynamic midfielder Reneilwe Letsholonyane, and also disallowed a goal for the Soweto giants, which did not go down well with the partisan crowd.
A Chiefs supporter breached the security at the Moses Mabhida Stadium and charged at Mfiki with a vuvuzela, although the ref managed to avoid any harm with some quick evasive maneuvers.
As the perpetrator came around for a second attempt, the security guards got hold of him and dragged him out of the stadium.
According to news reports the assailant has appeared in court for his malicious actions.
"I saw him coming. The fourth assistant alerted me via our wireless communication, so I was ready," said Mfiki.
"I saw him and ducked just as he hit, I did not get hurt and I was not going to run.
"Growing up in a township I saw these kinds of things happening in the street and in games, so it was not shocking to me.
"I'm going to continue refereeing, I love my job and I love the game. People criticise me all the time as they do with most refs, and I must take it, it is part of the job, but I won't leave because of this incident.
"I gave a statement to the police after the game and more than that I don't know, I heard there is a court case. All I know is that I am available to ref."
Orlando Pirates coach Roger De Sa had vuvuzelas thrown at him at the same venue after his side's recent 1-1 draw with AmaZulu, but Mfiki says the instrument should not be banned.
The East London native said: "I grew up with it (the vuvuzela). It's part of football, it is part of our culture.
"I see nothing wrong with it, but maybe tighter security is needed now so that this won't happen again.
"But banning it? No."
- By Football 411/Jacaranda Sport