Orlando Pirates vs TP Mazembe - A case study in corruption in football

The Hibbert Agenda · May 6, 2013

Last night was the second leg fixture between Orlando Pirates of South Africa and TP Mazembe of the Democratic Republic of Congo in the playoff stage of the African Champions League.
Having won the first leg 3-1, Pirates had one foot through the door but cautious knowing that a 2-0 loss would be enough to eliminate them on away goals.

Before the game begins, news breaks through that it would not be broadcast. This is not out of the ordinary, with many world cup and AFCON qualifiers having their matches pulled at the last minute off TV as corrupt and/or incompetent broadcasters mess things up.

Yesterday though, the South African Broadcasting Company had rights to record and show the game live, but having arrived at the stadium were first denied entrance, then had their phones confiscated, then were assaulted and arrested for protesting.

So no one outside of the stadium had view of what was about to happen. Thankfully however, in this day and age, everything was delivered live over twitter.

In the first half, central defender and Pirates captain Lucky Lekgwathi was sent off for an innocuous 50/50 challenge. Every decision made by the referee went against Pirates, and as if he wasn't making it blatant enough that he was attempting to force a Mazembe win, he spoonfed them with 2 very controversial penalty decisions.

Thankfully justice was served, as Pirates keeper Senzo Meyiwa (Pictured, crying after the match) saved both. And so despite the TV blackout, red cards, unbelievably biased general refereeing decision including 2 penalties-- Pirates proceed to the next round.

In the aftermath Pirates and the SABC have lodged protests and complaints to CAF, but its unlikely anything will be done. Orlando Pirates head of administration Senzo Mazingisa said after the match:

"The treatment was bad. Our technical staff were harassed, our dressing room was left wide open. You can write a book about some of these things.

"We had our captain Lucky sent out for no apparent reason. Senzo also saved two penalties. Prior to the start of the game, people here were able to speak English.

"When the game started, they started communicating with us in French, clearly to frustrate us. We hope for the best getting out of this country.

"We are grateful to the South African embassy here, they have been very supportive."

Captain Lekgwathi who was red carded spoke after the game saying:

"It is unfortunate people back home in South Africa could not watch the match, it was bad in terms of everything,

"Some of these things are killing African soccer. We came here expecting such things, including poor refereeing.

"We were mentally and psychologically strong. I hope CAF will act against some of these people who are bringing shame to our sport."