Orlando Pirates returned to winning ways when they defeated Black Leopards 2-1 at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Tuesday evening.
However, the encounter will go down as one of the most bizarre matches in the history of South African football due to the way Bucs striker Thamsanqa Gabuza left the field in the middle of the game.
Gabuza, who has suffered constant criticism and booing from Pirates supporters due to some of his missed chances and failure to convert clear chances over the years, seemingly vented his frustrations on Tuesday night.
In what seemed to be his way of expressing himself following many years of criticism from The Ghost, Gabuza, who assisted an own goal from Lidoda Duvha, took off his shirt during his celebration and angrily threw it into the crowd. Seconds later, the striker stormed off the field of play. The striker then came back five minutes later bandaged and limping, but was sent off by the referee after receiving a second yellow card.
His actions have since received mixed reactions from supporters of the beautiful game. Some fans are angry at "Ganda-Ganda", saying he has "disrespected" the Pirates badge, while others are siding with Gabuza, believing that he was bound to break down at some point after enduring criticism for years during his stay with the Soweto giants.
Supporters Club member and Bucs fan JamieM has expressed his feelings following what transpired at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, and he believes that Pirates supporters should account for Ganda-Ganda's outburst.
"Yes, Gabuza lost it, he did the unthinkable, but fans are the cause for his anger," he said.
"We must now learn to stand by our players. Booing and calling them names doesn't help. But the scenario was the result of what fans did to him. He is our player and we must learn to love him.
"Fans are sometimes very wrong and confusing to players. Instead of being behind them and encouraging them, they get under their skins and demoralise them.
"Gabuza was not bad but fans killed his confidence. Good players do miss some good chances and that does not make them bad.
"The problem is that Pirates don't really have good supporters."
What do you think of Gabuza's actions on Tuesday night?
Please note: Supporters Club abide by FIFA Fair Play rules, and we condemn any kind of behaviour that impacts negatively on the image of the beautiful game.
