LIMPOPO – An ABC Motsepe League match between the Vondwe XI Bullets and Mpheni Defenders was abandoned once again on February 26 at the Makonde Stadium, leaving disappointed fans as the match could not be completed.

The two teams are fierce rivals in the race for promotion to the Motsepe Foundation Championship. Their previous encounter in December was also abandoned with just two minutes remaining after a controversial penalty decision was overturned.

Following a disciplinary hearing, the league ruled that the match be replayed at the same venue.

During the replay, Defenders were leading by one goal when the match was abandoned with 15 minutes left. The game was intense from the start, with Bullets missing several scoring opportunities early on. The teams entered halftime goalless, but Defenders broke the deadlock in the 70th minute. Bullets equalised shortly after, sparking further controversy.

Following the equaliser, an incident in the box led to a disagreement between officials. The assistant referee raised his flag for a foul after the Defenders’ goalkeeper was obstructed during a goalmouth scramble. A verbal altercation ensued between a Bullets official and the assistant referee. The match was then abandoned after an alleged assault on the assistant referee by a Bullets official.

Match commissioner Samuel Maduwa said that the second assistant referee felt unsafe, which led to the match being called off. Bullets’ managing director, Phatshedzo Siebe, expressed frustration over the referee initially allowing the equaliser before the assistant referee overruled the decision.

Defenders’ chairperson, Vhutshilo Phuravhathu, voiced disappointment over accusations against the assistant referee and suggested that a possible replay be held at a neutral venue for safety reasons.

Safa Limpopo Administrator Refilwe Khoza confirmed that both teams, along with the match officials, will be called before the disciplinary committee to address the incident.