The Orlando Pirates youth team sparked a great deal of controversy in South Africa, after the footage that spread on social media during the match against Sikhon United in the country's youth league.

Orlando Pirates defeated Sikhon United by three clean goals, but this was not the most important thing in the match in which Pirates players mocked their rivals in the Sikhon team.

Pirates players were subjected to a wave of sharp criticism from the local and European media alike, because of what was described as their "disrespect" for the opponent.

And video clips widely circulated on social media documented Orlando Pirates players performing some dances in front of their counterparts before passing the ball.

And it wasn't just one player, but the same behavior was repeated by several players.

Got an idea.

Invite this Orlando Pirates team to England, put them up against a Sunday League team and let the mayhem play out.

Would watch pic.twitter.com/CFR2P8Wqec

— Jack Kenmare (@jackkenmare_) February 19, 2023

Video clips show one of the Orlando players dancing with the ball before taking a knee in a second shot.

While another player jumped around the ball in a provocative manner before passing it to his teammate, while a third sat on his knee imitating what the first did, and all this without any reaction from the referee.

The opinions of followers were divided on social media about these scenes, some of whom said that these clips are offensive and show disrespect, at a time when a number of other commentators who saw this as a show by the players enjoyed it.

A third confirmed that such footage clearly shows why football has not progressed in Africa.

Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates coach Joseph Mkhnia defended his players, saying that they have the right to express themselves in the way they see fit.

"Football is about sensations, feelings, and self-expression. If you are able to do certain things, do them," Makhnia said in statements, most notably by the British "Sport Bible".

"I was that kind of player, so I will always encourage players to express themselves as long as they feel confident about it," he added.

"This game needs players who have a lot of confidence in themselves, so sometimes you need to do certain things. It's true that some people find it disrespectful, but I disagree with them," said Makhnia.