The introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in South African football moved a step closer this week after a South African Football Association (SAFA) delegation, led by president Danny Jordaan, met with Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie in Pretoria.
Speaking at a joint press conference, McKenzie delivered a strong message that the long-awaited technology is no longer a distant ambition.
“VAR is going to happen, and VAR is busy happening,” said McKenzie at the briefing. “We have dates, not next year, but tomorrow,”
Jordaan on the other hand believes the implementation of VAR will not only modernise the local game but also enhance player protection and improve the standard of officiating.
“There will be a 360-degree view of the match by the referee and VAR. This will help protect players and modernise the game,” Jordaan stated.
Meanwhile, SAFA Chief Executive Officer Lydia Monyepao revealed that the association launched its VAR project in 2024 as part of a broader effort to develop referees and align South African football with international standards.
Monyepao explained: “Our primary purpose was to train and develop South African match officials in applying VAR protocols and ensure our referees remain competitive for CAF and FIFA appointments.”
While SAFA initially planned to fund the programme itself, a R20 million allocation from the government has accelerated the process.
The technology is expected to benefit the Betway Premiership, Hollywoodbets Super League, and key SAFA competitions, including the ABC Motsepe League and SAFA Women’s Provincial League national play-offs.
However, despite the optimism, significant challenges remain.
A VAR Task Team report submitted in September highlighted concerns around stakeholder alignment, particularly between SAFA, the National Soccer League (NSL) and broadcasters. The report also noted that further technical evaluations, service provider engagements and operational planning are still required before any major procurement commitments can be made.
The team warned that unresolved governance and operational issues could delay implementation until all football, technical and financial stakeholders are fully aligned.
For now, the message from both the government and SAFA is clear: VAR is coming to South African football, but several critical hurdles must still be cleared before the technology can become a reality on local pitches.
PHOTO SUPPLIED
