Poor PSL officials limit goalscoring, says Hunt

Cape Town - Bidvest Wits coach Gavin Hunt believes the quality of officiating in the Absa Premiership is affecting the amount of goals being scored.

Recently the standard of refereeing in the top tier of South African football has fallen under the microscope with a number of poor decisions having been made.

In Cape Town City's 1-0 win over Polokwane City, a legitimate goal was disallowed for offside. In Wits' 1-0 victory over Orlando Pirates, Thamsanqa Gabuza clattered into Phumlani Ntshangase while appearing to use his arm and was not red-carded for what appeared a serious offence.

As such, Hunt takes the view that it is clear officiating isn't where it needs to be, telling reporters: "It's not good‚ hey.

"And it's not me. I mean‚ I'm pretty okay. But what you saw on Friday night‚ and what you saw in Pirates against Cape Town City‚ things like that.

"I just think there are a lot of decisions being made not to award goals. You know‚ and I just feel that the game is (about goals). Anyway, I don't want to get too involved. It's always difficult."

Speaking about the foul on Ntshangase, Hunt added: "He is fine. I mean he was knocked out cold there. But obviously they did whatever they did and he came back on."

Meanwhile Hunt said he believed his side will avoid relegation despite a start to the Premiership season that has seen his side lose three and draw two in their opening six matches.

The reigning league champions were boosted with their first win last Saturday over Pirates at home, courtesy of Gerald Phiri's fifth minute goal.

The Clever Boys reside in 13th place just one point clear of the relegation places. Despite their poor placing, Hunt believes his team have enough quality to avoid the drop.