This past weekend saw Mamelodi Sundowns hand Kaizer Chiefs coach Molefi Nabi his first defeat in the Premier Soccer League (PSL). However, the aftermath of the match was overshadowed by intense debate surrounding questionable referee decisions, leading to renewed calls for the introduction of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system in South Africa.
During the match, held at FNB Stadium, Sundowns secured victory with a controversial goal from Iqraam Rayners. In the build-up to the goal, Lucas Ribeiro appeared to be in an offside position, sparking outrage among Kaizer Chiefs supporters and raising questions about the accuracy of the officiating. Later in the match, the controversy deepened when Chiefs had a last-minute equalizer disallowed. The goal, which could have salvaged a crucial point for Chiefs, was ruled offside by the referee—another contentious decision that left fans and pundits questioning the fairness of the officiating.
This series of unfortunate decisions by match officials prompted Sports, Arts, and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie to call for the immediate implementation of VAR in the PSL. McKenzie argued that the introduction of VAR would help resolve such controversial moments and ensure that critical decisions are made fairly and transparently.
"VAR would give us an extra layer of assurance that matches are being decided by the players on the field, not by questionable decisions from referees," McKenzie said in response to the post-match controversies.
While VAR is already a key part of major international football leagues, its absence in South African football has long been a point of contention. The Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns match is just one of many recent fixtures that have left fans and officials calling for the adoption of the technology. The disallowed equalizer, in particular, reignited the debate, as the result of the match could have been drastically different if VAR had been available to review the referee’s decision.
The calls for VAR are not without merit. Refereeing inconsistencies have been a long-standing issue in the PSL, and the introduction of VAR would bring a more professional and objective means of decision-making in critical match situations.
As the debate intensifies, many will be looking to the PSL and the South African Football Association (SAFA) to seriously consider implementing VAR, especially if further officiating controversies arise. For Kaizer Chiefs and their fans, this weekend’s defeat will sting even more, as the disallowed equalizer might have changed the outcome of the match had VAR been used.
Only time will tell if these calls for VAR will translate into real change within South African football, but one thing is certain—referee decisions like the ones seen this weekend will continue to fuel the debate until a resolution is found.
