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"Soon we will host the delegates meeting in order to have this plan ratified. It is only the body that can give us the green light to proceed and implement what we have come up with," Mfikirwa said.

"Yanga are going to stand and its structures maintained as a club, but we also need to accept the fact we need investors from outside in order to boost us as we try to achieve our targets.

"It is understood that we have experienced a slow-motion towards financial success and for that reason, we have decided to welcome investors so that they can offer support and technical advice.
 
"We are going to form a company and welcome other companies to come and invest in it. The company will be jointly owned by Yanga and the investors where the club will own 51% of shares and the remaining 49% will be shared among the investors.
 
"A shareholder can be a company, a group or an individual and if such a shareholder can buy 12.25% share, they are guaranteed a place on the board of the company. The board will have a maximum of nine members where five will be from the club and four from the investors."
 
The club's technical advisor, Senzo Mazingisa, hopes the initiative will usher in a positive financial transformation for Timu ya Wananchi.
 
"We met with branch representatives in order to explain to them the changes we hope to undertake. I am very excited and I know the process has started and we are looking forward to engaging with the members and the stakeholders," said the South African.
 
"We are looking forward to engaging further because this is an ongoing process. This is a big club, we trust the process and look forward to a positive transformation in Tanzania. We are looking forward to transforming our club."
 
Financial constraints have been Yanga's major undoing and have had a spiraling effect on the pitch as they have lost key players, including Bernard Morrison and Heritier Makambo, in the recent past.

The initiative is expected to rival Simba SC, who have been stable financially, especially with the arrival of businessman Mo Dewji in 2016, who is the club's majority shareholder.
 

Simba SC striker John Bocco has sent a strong warning to their Mainland Premier League rivals they will not leave any stone unturned as they pursue their target of winning the title for the fourth season in a row.

The Msimbazi giants suffered a huge scare on Saturday at Majaliwa Stadium in Ruangwa, after they scored three goals with 12 minutes left to the final whistle to beat Namungo 3-1 in the rescheduled fixture and move three points clear at the top of the 18-team table.

The reigning champions found themselves trailing as early as the 21st minute when Nzigamasabo Styve's effort deflected past defender Pascal Wawa to beat goalkeeper Aishi Manula with ease.

Simba were forced to wait until the second half to produce a comeback with striker Chris Mugalu starting the goal rush in the 78th minute, before captain Bocco made it 2-1 in the 83rd minute and Ghanaian forward Bernard Morrison sealed the game with a beautifully taken effort in the 87th minute.

Bocco, who has now scored in every game he has featured for Simba since returning from injury, has told Goal they will continue to fight for the title and will not leave any stone unturned in their quest to achieve some of the targets they set when the season started.

What has been said?

“It was a battle of the champions and that is what we are made of, we don’t have to give up, we have to dig and get the result and we will not leave any stone unturned until we reach the goals we set when the season kicked-off,” Bocco told Goal after the game.

“Every job needs perseverance and we had to push ourselves to achieve the result against Namungo, we had to play as a team because all we needed from the game was the three points, we are now done with them [Namungo] and we shift focus to the next match.

“We want to win all our matches, we want to retain the title, and it doesn’t matter what it takes, but we know the league is not easy, every team is keen to play and beat Simba and so we must be ready, we are also playing against teams fighting relegation, so it is important to be focused and ready.

“We must push ourselves and we will not stop, we know what it takes for any team to be crowned champions and we don’t want to fall short, we want to defend the title, let us win our games and see what happens at the end.”

Wekundu wa Msimbazi went into the match tied on 61 points with rivals Yanga SC at the top of the 18-team table and knew they had to win their rescheduled fixture so as to start opening the gap to the chasing pack.

Simba will next face Ruvu Shooting on June 3 at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa has lauded Al Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane for his achievements in football on the African continent.

On Friday, the former Mamelodi Sundowns tactician led the Red Devils to the Caf Super Cup title after a 2-0 win over RS Berkane. 

Two second-half goals from Mohamed Sherif and Salah Mohsen inspired the Egyptian champions to a well-deserved victory over their Moroccan opponents at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha, Qatar. 

It was Mosimane's fourth trophy with the Egyptian side, and the Head of State believes the work done by the former Bafana Bafana coach is uniting people from diverse backgrounds and hailed him as a fantastic representative of the country.

"Pitso Mosimane is an outstanding flag-bearer for our country and for football," Ramaphosa stated.

"His outstanding performance and that of his club show what is possible when talent moves freely around our continent to unite people from diverse backgrounds and national origin and inspire them to achieve extraordinary things."

This comes a day after the Al Ahly coach stated he is not being appreciated in South Africa.

"I believe if you focus on winning games, the outcome will sort itself out but I do feel good to be part of contributing to Africa and I feel good to be appreciated, unlike what happened to me in my own country," the 56-year-old said.

"The last week has been too emotional for me, to be honest. But I don’t blame anybody. I have to blame the system that we come from.

"Some people say if you want to set up a black man to fail, you must use a black man to destroy him."

The former Masandawana coach has further stated the best way to answer his critics is by ensuring he does his job well and continue to lift trophies.

"For me, it’s not about talking, it’s about… this is how you reply in football – you reply by lifting trophies, not talking about what happened last week," Mosimane continued.

"Let the work speak for yourself. I’m too mature and I move on. The only way is to congratulate everyone associated with Al Ahly, congratulate the team and everyone who is associated with me." 

Didier Drogba, John Obi Mikel, Michael Essien and Samuel Eto’o have sent congratulatory messages to Chelsea following their Champions League triumph.

The Stamford Bridge giants silenced Manchester City 1-0 at the Estadio do Dragao to be crowned as kings of Europe for the second time in their history.

Profiting from an assist from Mason Mount, Kai Havertz slotted the ball into the net after beating goalkeeper Ederson Moraes.

That 42nd-minute effort separated both teams in Portugal as Pep Guardiola’s men would have themselves to blame for their inability to turn things around despite boasting of superior ball possession.

As the world continues to celebrate Thomas Tuchel’s men, the former Chelsea stars have taken to social media to express their admiration.

Essien - who spent 14 years at the club - and was part of the Blues’ team to help the Londoners win the European diadem for the very first time in 20212 took to Instagram to laud the heroics of his former side.

“Here they are the Champions of Europe. Congratulations boys. You guys did it again. Bravoo,” the former Ghana international wrote.

After leaving Chelsea, the midfielder played for AC Milan, Panathinaikos, Persib Bandung and Sabail before announcing his retirement.

In the same vein, former Nigeria international Mikel represented the club for 11 years before departing for China’s Tianjin Teda in 2017 was not left out.

“Well done boys, we are the blues,” the Stoke City midfielder wrote.

After spells at Barcelona, Inter Milan and Anzhi Makhachkala, Eto'o signed a one-year deal with the Premier League club for an undisclosed fee in 2013.

Although he did not win any silverware at Stamford Bridge during his trophy-laden career, the Cameroon football legend congratulated the two-time European champions.

“The best,” the 40-year-old captioned his post on social media.

For Drogba, he lauded the team captained by Cesar Azpilicueta for their confidence.

“We believed, they believed,” according to the 43-year-old.

The two-time African Player of the Year enjoyed an unforgettable spell with the English club following his move from Olympique Marseille in July 2004 for £24 million.

There, he won four Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three Carabao Cups and two FA Community Shields.

Cesar Azpilicueta dubbed N'Golo Kante the best midfielder in the world after he excelled in Chelsea's 1-0 win over Manchester City in the Champions League final.

The France international added the biggest honour in club football to a list of successes that include winning the World Cup, Europa League and Premier League, which he has lifted with both the Blues and Leicester City.

Furthermore, he won his third successive man of the match award in the Champions League in Porto as Chelsea secured their second success in Europe's prestigious competition.

What was said?

"It's straightforward, yes [he is the best in the world]," Azpilicueta said. "He does everything. The energy he brings, I don't know how many ball recoveries he had today. The way he drives the ball forward, he covers so much ground.

"It is special to have him. Of course, when we don't have him we miss him. After winning the World Cup and now Champions League, he is still so humble as a person.

"I am so happy for him, he is a massive part of this team and I am very happy to have him next to me for a few years."

What else did Chelsea's captain say?

He went onto praise his side's squad players for not upsetting the group, despite missing out on the chance to start at the showpiece event.

"In the dressing room, I know how tough it can be to be left out of the team when we have so much competition in the squad but everyone kept their ego [to one side] and put everything towards the team," he added.

"To me, that's the most satisfying thing about tonight. The guys upfront, like Timo, Mason, Kai, Christian when he came on and the work they did for the team was incredible. They stepped up as a group and as a team, we want to build on that and make special things.

"We will celebrate for a few nights, or for the summer for the ones that don't have the Euros, I am sure! But then that's gone, we are part of the history for the second time of Chelsea and we got for the next challenge.

"For me to have this moment is incredible and I have a lot of emotions coming through all through this day. We got over the line and I am very, very happy. To win my first trophy as a captain is special.

"I lost three finals but the fourth one was the right one and the big one so I am really happy. I am pleased because a few months ago a lot of people doubted the quality of the team but we did it."

Further reading

Pep Guardiola defended his lineup selection and tactics after Manchester City's 1-0 defeat to Chelsea on Saturday in the Champions League final. He said he did what he thought was right by cramming his team with creative forces.

The manager opted to start proceedings without a defensive midfielder, which many observers felt left his men exposed at the back. Indeed, Kai Havertz slipped beyond the defence before rounding goalkeeper Ederson to score the match's lone goal.

Guardiola went on to highlight the positives from Manchester City not only in the second half of the tightly contested contest, but also in a Premier League-winning campaign.

How did Man City set up for Chelsea?

Guardiola stuffed his starting lineup with creative forces, choosing Kevin De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling, Bernardo Silva, Riyad Mahrez and Phil Foden with Ilkay Gundogan left isolated in the central midfield. Gundogan, of course, is not a defensive midfielder by trade, and the natural orchestrator was unable to help stem the tide of Chelsea's counterattacks when losing possession in the opening 45 minutes.

The Blues could have scored more than once in the first half, as forward Timo Werner on his own had a number of quality chances near the goal.

Manchester City, meanwhile, struggled for long stretches to create chances despite having so many forward-thinking players in the team.

What has been said?

"I did what I thought was the best decision [on his team selection]," Guardiola said to BT Sport.

"[Kevin de Bruyne] got injured but that happens in this competition and in these games. We needed everyone.

"The ambition now is to rest but then prepare for the next season. It was the first time we were at this stage. Hopefully we will be here again in the future.

"It has been an exceptional season for us. It was a tight game. We had chances. We were brilliant in the second half, we were brave and we could not convert the chances as they were so strong. The players were exceptional. We come back maybe one day again!"

'You need inspiration and quality'

Pressed further on his choices, Guardiola said it was important to have "inspiration and quality" against a strong defence.

"There were three or four moments with crosses from the byline but we did not arrive," he said.

"I did my best in the selection. Like last season against Olympique Lyon, like it was against PSG and Dortmund.

"I did the selection best to win the game, the players know it. I think Gundogan played good, was exceptional. We missed a lttle but in the first half to break the lines. In the second half it was much better.

"It was a tight game. We had enormous almost-chances."

Further reading

Chelsea goalscorer Kai Havertz said he didn't "give a f*ck" about his price tag after scoring a Champions League-winning goal against Manchester City on Saturday.

The Germany international got on the end of a long Mason Mount pass near the end of the first half and rounded Ederson before slotting into an empty net. 

The goal would hold up in a 1-0 win, helping to justify the £70 million ($95m) transfer fee Chelsea paid Bayer Leverkusen for Havertz last summer.

What was said

Asked about his price tag on BT Sport following the game, Haverz replied: "I don't give a f*ck, we won the Champions League!"

The 21-year-old continued: "I don't know what to say. I really don't know what to say. I waited a long time.

"Now I want to thank my family, my parents, my grandmother and my girlfriend. I don't know what to say.

"I've waited 15 years for this moment and now it's here."

Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta added: "[Havertz] was so calm. Not only that. He runs like crazy! That's why he deserves this.

"I came here in 2012 after that Champions League win. I wanted to repeat that Champions League success. It is amazing. My family are here. It is a special, special day."

Havertz's debut season

Havertz faced criticism throughout his debut season at Stamford Bridge as he oftentimes struggled to justify his massive transfer fee. 

The Germany international played a major role throughout his first campaign in the Premier League, but did not offer the same goalscoring numbers he did while in Germany. 

Still, Havertz scored nine goals total on the season and his final strike was by far the most important – and went some way toward jusifying his price tag. He also fought through injury issues that may have held him back midway through the campaign.

Further reading

Chelsea’s Uefa Champions League triumph has sent social media into a frenzy.

The Stamford Bridge giants were crowned as European champions having silenced Manchester City 1-0 at Porto’s Estadio do Dragao.

Kai Havertz’s first-half effort settled the encounter with Pep Guardiola’s men labouring in vain while trying to get the equaliser.

Thanks to the Blues’ win, they have now won the tournament for the second time in their history.

Below are some tweets on how fans celebrated Chelsea’s success.

Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy equalled the Champions League's clean sheet record on Saturday after Manchester City became the latest side to be frustrated by the towering Senegal international. 

City found no way past the 29-year-old over 90 minutes and went down 1-0 in the final, with Kai Havertz scoring the only goal of the game just before half-time. 

It was the Blues' second Champions League crown and, while there are plenty of heroes in their squad, few did as much to clinch the title as the man between the posts. 

History made in Porto

Mendy's clean sheet against City was the ninth he has managed in this season's Champions League. 

Only two keepers have ever reached that number in a single campaign, meaning the Chelsea star joins an extremely exclusive club. 

Both previous record holders set their mark with Spanish sides: Santiago Canizares for Valencia in the 2000-01 competition and Keylor Navas for Real Madrid in 2015-16. 

Mendy, though, is the first goalkeeper to register nine clean sheets in his first-ever Champions League campaign. 

Credit must also be given to the Chelsea rearguard, which allowed just one shot on target from City throughout the 90 minutes and made Mendy's task far more straightforward than might have been expected before kick-off. 

An instant success 

Mendy arrived at Stamford Bridge at the end of September 2020, amid concerns over the form of previous number one Kepa Arrizabalaga. 

The former Rennes keeper soon settled at his new home and became Chelsea's undisputed first choice, racking up 44 appearances in all competitions including Saturday's final. 

Further reading

A disappointing evening for Manchester City was capped by an injury for Kevin De Bruyne that saw the midfield star complete less than an hour of their Champions League final defeat to Chelsea on Saturday. 

The Belgian was forced off in the 59th minute after a nasty clash with Antonio Rudiger. 

Belgium will now have to wait to see if he recovers in time to represent the nation at the upcoming European Championship.

What happened to De Bruyne? 

The former Chelsea man was sent to the floor when he clashed heads with Rudiger, with both players going for the ball. 

While the Blues' defender was cleared to continue, De Bruyne was in clear discomfort as he received treatment and it became evident that he was to play no further part in the final. 

He earned a rousing round of applause from the crowd in Porto as he was helped to his feet and off the pitch, with his neck appearing to have borne the brunt of the challenge. 

Gabriel Jesus was sent into the action by manager Pep Guardiola as City continued to chase from a goal down. 

The bigger picture

Despite dominating possession, Guardiola's charges failed to make inroads into the Chelsea defence. 

Kai Havertz's first-half goal therefore proved the difference between the two sides, with the Blues taking a 1-0 victory to clinch their second Champions League title. 

It also marked the first crown for Thomas Tuchel, who was beaten out last year by Bayern Munich while at the Paris Saint-Germain helm. 

Fit for Euros? 

While Champions League defeat will have come as a bitter blow to De Bruyne, he will now hope to make a swift return in order to be passed fit for Euro 2020. 

The competition begins in less than two weeks, with Belgium's first game in Group B scheduled for June 12 against Russia in Saint Petersburg. 

Further reading 

Christian Pulisic made history on Saturday when he came on for Chelsea to become the first man from the United States to play in a Champions League final. 

The USMNT international started on the bench as the Blues looked to take down Manchester City in Porto. 

And he saw action in the second half in an eventual 1-0 win for Chelsea.

History for Pulisic

The 22-year-old was brought on by Tuchel with 65 minutes on the clock, entering for Timo Werner. 

Chelsea were looking to build on a 1-0 lead in the final which had been secured by Werner's German compatriot Kai Havertz. 

Though Pulisic missed a chance to double Chelsea's lead when he was sent through by Haverz, the miss ultimately didn't cost the Blues as they emerged victorious.

No U.S. national had ever played before in the men's final, but it is not the first piece of history Pulisic has made on his way to the showpiece. 

Back in April he became the first American to net in a Champions League semi-final with his strike against Real Madrid, setting the Blues off to a fine start in a tie they would eventually win 3-1 on aggregate. 

What did he say?

"I still can't explain it, it's still such a shock, it's just incredible. I have no words, I'm so proud," a beaming Pulisic told CBS Sports after the game.

"I'm just so thankful for all the support, to have people here today it's just so amazing. 

"I felt great, I knew I was going to have to put in the hard work defensively, I wish I'd put away the chance I had, I didn't quite get under it the way I wanted, but in the end this team was always going to win this game and I'm just so proud of them. 

"It's been a difficult road for me and I couldn't ever imagine winning the Champions League, and now I'm here... then we're going to try and do the same thing next year!"

Further reading 

Former Kaizer Chiefs star Jabu Mahlangu (Pule) singled out Swallows FC's two central defenders, Junaid Sait and Njabulo Ngcobo for special praise after the Birds' 0-0 draw with Mamelodi Sundowns at the Dobsonville Stadium on Saturday evening.

While Sundowns would have been hoping to celebrate the capture of a fourth successive PSL league title this week with a captivating win against Swallows, Brandon Truter's men had other ideas as they fought resolutely against the star-studded Brazilians.

Among those who stood out were two players who have spent the bulk of their careers in the second-tier of South African football in Ngcobo and Sait, the latter being named as Man-of-the-Match.

Mahlangu was highly impressed with how the pair kept quiet PSL Player of the Season nominee Peter Shalulile.

"My key player before the game was Ncgobo," the former Bafana Bafana winger said in the post-match analysis session in the SuperSport TV studio.

"And I said it, I want to look at the partnership with Sait. And both Ncgobo and Sait, they ground [it out]. Especially against the mobility of [Peter] Shalulile, we know it's not easy to defend against Shalulile. He can run off the ball, he can receive the ball. He's very strong on the ball. He's got everything a striker needs.

"And these two guys, Ngcobo and Sait, they managed to deal with him very, very well. He was quiet this afternoon."

There has been talk for some time now that Ngcobo is on the wanted list at Kaizer Chiefs who parted ways with head coach Gavin Hunt on Friday afternoon.

The 27-year-old central defender has been outstanding this season in what in his first campaign in the top-flight, having signed from First Division team Uthongathi.

Sait, 28, previously played in the second-tier for clubs such as Milano United, Cape Town All Stars, Stellenbosch FC and Richards Bay.

Devin Haney will attempt to defend his WBC lightweight title and perfect professional boxing record on Saturday night against seasoned veteran Jorge Linares, who has more than double the fights of experience as the current title holder.

Linares has accused his younger opponent of overlooking him with potentially larger paydays looming ahead, but Haney has denied those claims.

The fighters will meet at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas with lightweight supremacy on the line.

Ahead of the fight, Goal has the details of how to watch on TV, stream live online, and more.

TV channel, live stream & how to watch

In the United States (U.S.), the fight can be streamed exclusively on DAZN.

Devin Haney vs Jorge Linares: Tale of the tape

Haney earned the WBC lightweight title by defeating Xolisani Ndongeni in 2019 and has since held off a series of other competitors to maintain the throne for more than two years.

Of his 25 career victories, 15 have been via KO.

It's been more than a year since Linares last fought. He took down Carlos Morales through KO in that February 2020 clash and has since had to wait through the pandemic for his next big opportunity.

He has a golden chance to bolster his stock deep into his career by facing Haney, a competitor regarded as a fast-riser in the division.

What have Devin Haney & Jorge Linares said?

"He’s overlooking me because he’s already thinking of big fights with Teofimo [Lopez] and Ryan Garcia and the other guys, right?" said a confident Linares to BoxingScene.com. "But he made a big mistake. Sometimes you bite off more than you can chew and, in this case, you’re gonna see it Saturday night.”

Haney responded to Linares on DAZN by saying “[Linares] can say what he wants but we have to get in the ring and do it. I can say what I'd do to him and what he’d do to me, but unless we get in the ring it’s pointless to go back and forth.

“My main focus is Linares because those fights don’t happen without a win from beating Jorge Linares."

Who is on the Devin Haney & Jorge Linares undercard?

CF Montreal defeated Chicago Fire 1-0 in Saturday’s Major League Soccer encounter.

A late goal by substitute Toye Mason was all the visitors needed to secure victory at Chicago’s Soldier Field.

Although the hosts pulled one back a few minutes later, it was chalked off by the Video Assistant Referee for offside.

Having lost their last two games to Atlanta United and Cincinnati, Montreal travelled to Illinois with the ambition of ending their poor run.

For Raphael Wicky’s side, they were hoping to consolidate on their victory over Inter Miami the last time out.

The hosts had the first chance at goal, albeit, Francisco Calvo’s header from Alvaro Medran’s corner kick went a bit too high.

Seven minutes later, Robert Beric went close from the centre of the box, but he was unable to beat goalkeeper Clement Diop.

Montreal’s first chance came in the 20th minute, albeit, Sunusi Ibrahim’s from Djordje Mihailovic’s fast-break sailed high and wide.

Despite pouring attacks from both teams, the game did not produce any goal as the first half ended goalless.

The major incident saw Rudy Camacho getting cautioned by referee Victor Rivas following a bad tackle on Wyatt Omsberg.

In the second half, Wicky’s team came out stronger in their bid to take the lead. Even at that, they were unable to convert the chances that came their way.

With three minutes to the end of the game, Mason put the visiting side ahead after profiting from a Zorhan Bassong assist.

The American U23 star headed past goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth with a well-taken cross by the Canadian defender.

In the closing stages of the encounter, Nnamdi Offor though he had levelled matters for Chicago Fire but it was cancelled as he was punished for being in an offside position.

Wanyama was in action from start to finish, while Uganda’s Mustafa Kizza was introduced for Bassong in the 90th minute.

Nigeria’s Ibrahim was handed a starter’s role but he was subbed off on the hour mark by goalscorer Toye.

Montreal welcome Hernan Losada’s DC United to the Saputo Stadium in their next outing on June 24, 2021.

Four days earlier, Chicago Fire travel to the Historic Crew Stadium for a date with Caleb Porter’s Columbus Crew.

Chelsea were dealt a major blow just before half-time of the Champions League final when Thiago Silva limped off with an injury against Manchester City. 

The veteran defender appeared to be injured when he jumped over Phil Foden to win a header, limping away from the aerial challenge. 

Silva was unable to continue in the showpiece match, and had to be replaced by Andreas Christensen in the 39th minute.

How was Silva injured?

After winning the aerial challenge against Foden, Silva went down with what appeared to be a groin injury and received treatment on the pitch.

The 36-year-old momentarily returned to the pitch but within moments he was down again, unable to continue.

Christensen, who himself has not played since early May due to an injury, was brought on to replace his veteran team-mate.

Silva was naturally distraught to be withdrawn in a European final, and was seen with his head in his hands on the sideline. 

How big of a blow is Silva's loss?

The Brazilian has been a major part of Thomas Tuchel's defence this term, making 34 appearances in all competitions.

Silva has suffered a few minor injury problems through 2020-21 but for the most part has been first choice when fit. 

Tuchel, who worked with Silva at PSG for a season and a half, has trusted the centre-back in his side's biggest games of the season, including on Saturday.

Despite Silva's loss, Chelsea opened the scoring only minutes after he exited the game when Kai Havertz rounded Ederson and finished into an open goal.

That goal would be all the Blues would need on the night as they won 1-0 to secure their second Champions League title. 

Further reading

Mamelodi Sundowns co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi criticised the officiating in their draw with Swallows FC on Saturday evening.

The draw saw Masandawana maintain their unbeaten away record in the PSL this season.

It was Sundowns' maiden match after they clinched this season's PSL title with a 3-1 win over SuperSport United on Wednesday and Mngqithi described their clash with Swallows as tactical. 

"It's one of those matches. Against Swallows, a highly tactical match," Mngqithi told SuperSport TV.

"In the first half I felt we gave them a little bit more time and space to come at us but we improved towards the end of the first half and second half we started to put our foot forward, forcing the goalkeeper to play a lot of long balls."

The former Lamontville Golden Arrows coach was not happy with referee Thando Ndzandzeka's performance and he felt that they should have had three penalties.

"The truth of the matter is I don't think the officiating was at its best today. A few bad tackles, I saw three penalties to be honest. I saw a penalty on [Peter] Shalulile's tackle in the box, [Sibusiso] Vilakazi's tackle in the box," he said. 

"And I saw a penalty at the end of the match. I was not too happy with the officiating. Legs could have been broken. [Thabo] Matlaba almost broke Vila's leg.

"[Aubrey] Modiba, same thing, Mothobi [Mvala], Cheeseboy [Lebohang Mokoena]. The officials are here to protect the players and make sure the match is running properly," he explained. 

"And when they don't do that the game becomes scrappy and people lose their jobs. They get injured badly so it's very important the referees protect the players."

Mngqithi praised Swallows, who finished the match strongly with Kagiso Malinga hitting the crossbar and goalkeeper Reyaad Pieterse also denied Fawaaz Basadien and Given Thibedi.

"We end up having scrappy games as a result of losing players. All these fouls you would expect some serious sanctions. That is football," he continued. 

"We are unhappy we did not win the match but credit to the opponents because they also played very well on the day."

Sundowns will take on Bloemfontein Celtic on Wednesday, before wrapping a successful league campaign with a clash against Cape Town City on June 5.