As anticipation continues to build around the future of South African football, VAR remains one of the most discussed upgrades ahead of the 2026/27 PSL campaign. Debate surrounding improvements to the league has intensified with the 2025/26 season rapidly approaching its conclusion.
Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie revealed that government had already provided SAFA with substantial financial assistance to support the rollout of the technology.
According to McKenzie, the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture supplied the funding necessary to help introduce VAR into the domestic game.
SAFA official Mxolisi Sibham backed those remarks and stated that the association had made considerable progress towards making the system operational during the 2025/26 season.
"Yes, the government has been very generous with us," said Sibham.
"They've given us R20 million to implement VAR. At the current NEC meeting, we are going to finalise approval of that budget so we can continue with the work.
"The work started seven months ago, so it's not that we are only starting now.
"Fortunately, the people who will be in charge of it indicated they are targeting the start of next season for VAR to be operational."
South Africa has faced increasing calls to adopt VAR, particularly as several African countries already use the technology in their leagues.
Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia and Mauritania have all implemented VAR domestically, increasing pressure on the PSL to follow suit.
Mamelodi Sundowns' bid to pull clear at the top of the Betway Premiership suffered a major setback on Tuesday night after they were beaten 3-2 by TS Galaxy at Mbombela Stadium, a result that dramatically reshapes the title race.
Mamelodi Sundowns head into their final league match of the season knowing their dominance of South African football could finally be coming to an end.
Orbit College's final Betway Premiership fixture against Orlando Pirates will no longer be played at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium, after ongoing renovations ruled the 2010 World Cup venue out of action.
TS Galaxy will be forced into a key midfield reshuffle when they host Mamelodi Sundowns in a crucial Betway Premiership fixture at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday night, kick-off 19h30.
