Folz goes easy on blundering referees

AmaZulu coach Romain Folz has decided to go easy on blundering referees. He says he is not reading much into match officiating ahead of their crunch tie against Kaizer Chiefs.

AmaZulu host Chiefs in the return leg of the MTN8 semi-final on Sunday. Folz’s sentiments come after his side fell victim to some questionable decisions in the last two games.

Poor match officiating has been one of the topical issues in the PSL. Games involving Usuthu and Kaizer Chiefs are among some that triggered mixed feelings.

And undoubtedly pressure will be on the man in the centre on the day to be just.

Folz, however, remains reserved in his comments about referees. He is focused on oiling his squad ahead of the crunch tie.

“I am not here to say the referees were good or bad. I know it is a very difficult task to be a referee. Lots of eyes on you. The smallest mistake you are going to make, it will be multiplied by ten,” Folz told the media.

“It very difficult job to do. I’m not saying I would’ve done much better than him. But, unfortunately, the last two games have been a little bit against us.”

“Penalties and goals disallowed, it happens. Sometimes football can be against you. We hope football will be good to us at some point, maybe this Sunday.” 

With Usuthu having recorded five red cards this season, there are concerns about the discipline of players.

“Fohloza” warned his charges to be cautious in their approach by avoiding unnecessary bookable offences.

“I want to make things clear. Before I arrived here, players were getting red and yellow cards. It could be because of talking back to the ref or other things, which I feel is ill-discipline.” 

“Again, it is very difficult for referees. Don’t get me wrong. But if anyone says Tercious Malepe deserved a red card [against Maritzburg United], then you need to get glasses.” 

“It’s one thing to get cards for something. But I have not seen any discipline problems from my players, and I don’t know what I can say to them.”

“I just want to show fight and best believe in ourselves without worrying about referring.”