Manqoba Mngqithi calls for Municipal support as VAR nears PSL debut

VAR, long championed by coaches as a tool to reduce costly refereeing mistakes, has finally been funded for implementation.

Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie confirmed that his department has provided SAFA with the resources to acquire the technology ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

As anticipation builds, refereeing controversies continue to shape match outcomes, and Mngqithi says this highlights the need for VAR. After a 2-1 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, he reflected on a confusing officiating moment.

"I keep saying this because the game is becoming too dynamic for the referees," Mngqithi said.

"Today (Tuesday), I even saw a sniff of VAR that I don't know, because the truth is if the linesman sees an offside, he raises the flag, and I didn't see the flag, but I saw the negotiations between match officials, and then there was no offside.

"I'm not saying it was offside or not, but I expect the right thing to happen in a football match."

He added that the league's growth and the significant investment in clubs and players mean that results should be fair and transparent.

"Every week, we will be talking about this topic because we are running one of the biggest leagues on the continent. The investment that is made in these clubs and the training put in should be worth accepting the results, knowing that VAR checked and, if needed, corrected mistakes."

Mngqithi also acknowledged that referees are human and prone to error but believes VAR can help reduce repeated mistakes and ensure greater consistency.

With funding secured and implementation on the horizon, the PSL is taking a significant step toward modernising South African football, ensuring that matches are decided by players on the field rather than controversial calls off it.