Benni McCarthy slams referee after loss to Orlando Pirates

A 53rd minute strike from Deon Hotto was the difference when Orlando Pirates met Amazulu at Orlando Stadium.

Orlando Pirates are through to the last 16 of the Nedbank Cup at the expense of Amazulu.

Orlando Pirates coach says Amazulu didn’t threaten them

Mandla Ncikazi believes Orlando Pirates were full value for the win.

“Typical cup game. Tough match. Tough side AmaZulu,” Ncikazi said.

“We expected that but I thought we controlled the game well. I knew there were going to be challenges as this was the first game after the restart.

“But I thought we controlled it well. AmaZulu still dangerous on the counter. Except for the penalty that they got I did not see too much threat. We see the progress we have made but what is more important is getting through to the next round. And we did that. Proud of the troops. I think they gave their all. It was nervy but it’s a cup match.

“I’m starting to see Pirates coming back in terms of the players. Still waiting for a few players to come back but it looks positive and with the games that are coming – all of them cup finals – we need all the players and it’s important that we have a full team, all the players ready and if we’re involved in CAF, involved in the local game, involved in the cup it’s always going to be tough but Pirates are coming through.”

McCarthy says Amazulu were undone by the ref

AmaZulu head coach Benni McCarthy believes his side were denied three clear-cut penalty shouts.

“I’m going to say out of courtesy congratulations to Pirates. They took their chance that came to them and they scored and for us you saw what we were about and if there was in this life justice we would be standing here saying a different story,” the Usuthu coach told SuperSport TV.

“If you are a football lover and you see what’s happening in the game when it comes to decisions that cost your team, to get knocked out of the competition. I counted three penalties so because we get one, you must now be happy because it’s justice. Hey, come on, there is no justice.

“It was a great game of football. Yes, we’re a small team but on the pitch we show a lot of heart and a lot of character and I can’t be more proud of this group of players that we have. Being away from.. But for us a lot of positives to take away and we can only get better and I’m super proud of my players and they couldn’t have done more.

“They were beaten by the man in the middle today, not by our opponents and I’m going to stick to that because that’s my feeling and everyone else that loves football and knows football. We weren’t beaten by our opponents today.”