Mvaza relieved after red card nullification
Flames captain Limbikani Mzava has expressed relief over South Africa Football Association’s (Safa) nullifying of a red card he was mistakenly shown as his club Lamontville Golden Arrows played against Orlando Pirates in the Absa Premiership on Sunday.
According to www.timeslive.co.za, Safa referees department rescinded his red-card after referee Thando Ndzandzeka apologised in writing for the mistaken-identity sending off.
Mzava, who is on his way home to join the Flames camping, was sent off for a second yellow card at the start of the second half as Pirates led 2-0 at the Princess Magogo Stadium. In the end, Mzava’s 10-man side lost the home game 1-2
But Safa’s latest decision means Mzava will now be eligible for Arrows’ next games.
“It pains to be mistakenly given marching orders in a game you desperately want to help your team win. However, I am relieved that I have been given a green light to play in the next games,” he said.
During the match, Arrows players surrounded the referee to alert him on his error as the card was supposed to be flashed in the face of Mzava’s defensive partner Mwandile Buthelezi for a two-footed challenge on Luvuyo Memela, but Ndzandzeka stood by his decision.
The website, www.timeslive.co.za yesterday quoted Tenda Masikhwa from Safa’s referees department in a statement as having said that the referee admitted showing the card to a wrong player.
“We have since written correspondence to this effect to the club and the Premier Soccer League‚” he stated. “The referee has since written an acknowledgement letter that after reviewing the match‚ he had shown the card to the wrong player.”
Arrows are placed 12th on the Absa Premiership log standing with 27 points from 24 matches.
