Following Kaizer Chiefs’ controversial defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns on September 28th, ministers and coaches were quick to voice the need for VAR.
In a game that ended 2-1 in favour of the Brazilians, two incidents sparked outrage amongst the AmaKhosi faithful—one led to a Sundowns goal, and the other was a disallowed goal in the dying minutes.
It was a game that could’ve gone either way. Sundowns often looked like their dominant selves, but Chiefs constantly knocked at the door, evoking another heroic performance from Bafana Bafana and Sundowns’ number one, Ronwen Williams.
Post-match reaction
Plenty of anger circulated around social media following the match, as newly appointed sports minister Gayton McKenzie was quick to give his thoughts on X, saying, “All football-loving fans know that the time for VAR has arrived in SA football. We need VAR, and we need it now. Those meetings start now because we are not a 10th-world country. I shall report back soonest after meeting SAFA and the PSL this week.”
What was once hated by the soccer community is now demanded; VAR has become a staple in European football and beyond, causing further confusion as to why the SPL has yet to adopt it.
Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi also – unsurprisingly – made his feelings known, telling SNL24, “I did call the people[refs] it’s a clear offside. I’m surprised that in South Africa we work without VAR. It’s not possible in Tunisia, Morocco, North Africa and a big country like South Africa, a big federation and national team and we don’t with VAR?
“We spoke with the referee; it’s two metres offside, ” he said.
Nabi’s thoughts on Kaizer Chiefs performance
Diverting his attention from VAR, Nabi seemed frustrated at his player’s response following Iqraam Rayners disputed goal that put the visitors 2-1 up, as he told FARPost, “I saw heads dropping when Sundowns scored the second goal. I do not like that. This is Kaizer Chiefs”
“Maybe it was the demons of last season but I do not want that,
“I don’t change because I am the first to step in the strategy. I had to step up because I dislike losing. Maybe we played better than last season, but this is Kaizer Chiefs, we don’t accept to lose like that. If you don’t know what Kaizer Chiefs is, sorry you don’t have a place here”.
Do you think VAR should be introduced?
Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebookfor the latest news.
