Yusuf Maart: FIFA Praises Wonder Goal, Former Referee Ace 'Mr Spot On' Ncobo Says There Was a Foul in It

Yusuf Maart: FIFA Praises Wonder Goal, Former Referee Ace 'Mr Spot On' Ncobo Says There Was a Foul in It

Keba Mothoagae
updated at August 9, 2023 at 9:30 AM
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  • Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Yusuf Maart is a big topic in the world of football at the moment
  • He scored a wonder-goal in the Soweto Derby that even FIFA acknowledged, hinting at a possible Puskas Award nomination
  • However, the goal might not have stood had the referee been stricter in the lead-up to the goal

Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Yusuf Maart's goal against Orlando Pirates last Saturday in the Soweto Derby remains a hot topic in the world of football.

Even world football governing FIFA has stepped forward and expressed admiration for the goal, suggesting that it could make the Puskas Award nominations list.

However, former FIFA referee Ace 'Mr Spot On' Ncobo, trying his best not to rain on his parade, said on SuperSport's Extra Time:

“Taking nothing away from the brilliance of Maart, who is scoring the goal. “That’s the hand to the face. We’ve spoken earlier about hand to the face [is an] obligatory yellow card, obligatory free-kick. You’ve got to give it. But the unfortunate moment is who would’ve expected that moment to take place? Neither the refree, neither the assistant or any other player on the field of play.

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“The fact of the matter is there was a foul, hand to the face, should’ve been a yellow card, should’ve been a free-kick. But we’re not taking anything away from the brilliance of the moment but we’re saying… Maart did brilliant but there was an infringement on the laws of the game – the dispossession that took place fell foul on the laws of the game.”

Video montage shows Orlando Pirates goalkeepers being embarrassed after famous Yusuf Maart strike

Orlando Pirates cannot seem to catch a break when it comes to conceding 'worldies' that will never be forgotten.

The latest came via the educated right foot of Yusuf Maart, who chipped Buccaneers goalkeeper Siyabonga Mpontshane from behind the halfway line for what could be the DStv Premiership Goal of the Season already. It is also quite possibly in the conversation for nomination among the next batch of FIFA Puskas Award-quality goals.

A video has since emerged of other incredible goals in which Pirates goalkeepers are the unfortunate victims of world-class genius, Sports Brief reported. There was one where Mamelodi Sundowns' Hlompho Kekana hit a pile-driver past the late Senzo Meyiwa.

Then there was the Puskas Award-nominated bicycle kick by Baroka FC goalkeeper Oscarine Masuluke, with Jackson Mabokgwane being on the receiving end on that occasion. Kekana, still in the colours of The Brazilians, returned to haunt the Buccaneers, also scoring from behind the halfway line past a flailing Wayne Sandilands.

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Keba Mothoagae
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