Malesela calls for VAR support after Sundowns reach MTN8 final

Former Premier Soccer League coach Dan “Dance” Malesela says Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology could have prevented several controversial decisions during Mamelodi Sundowns’ MTN8 victory over Golden Arrows on Sunday.

Sundowns won the second leg 3-2 against Arrows and progressed to the final with the aggregate score level at 3-3. The match, however, was overshadowed by a series of disputed calls involving referee Luxolo Badi and his officiating team.

The most contentious incident came in the second half, when Sundowns defender Khulumani Ndamane appeared to score from close range. The goal was disallowed after officials judged that a handball had occurred.

Malesela believes the decision was incorrect and said the incident showed why South African referees need technological assistance.

“The Ndamane goal was legitimate. What is particularly concerning is that the so-called handball was identified by an individual far from the incident rather than the referee,” Malesela told KickOff.

He argued that VAR would provide referees with valuable support and reduce the number of complaints surrounding major decisions.

“Our referees require assistance, and VAR is essential. The absence of VAR perpetuates complaints. It is an unfortunate reality, but referees need support.

“With the naked eye, it is challenging to observe every detail. Consider that only three officials are overseeing twenty-two players. Experience alone does not suffice in refereeing; that is why in other countries, experienced referees are still supported by VAR.”

Malesela also pointed to a number of challenges during the match that he felt went unpunished. He said some tackles were serious enough to have caused significant injuries, including broken feet, but were missed because officials had to rely entirely on their own judgement.

“Even viewers at home easily identify poor tackles after watching slow-motion replays on television,” he said.

The former coach acknowledged that South African officials are generally capable but stressed that referees, like footballers, can produce below-par performances.

He said the incidents at the Peter Mokaba Stadium should not necessarily be viewed as evidence that referees lack ability. Instead, they demonstrated the difficulty of making split-second decisions in a fast-moving match involving 22 players.

Malesela maintained that refereeing remained a human endeavour and that even experienced officials could have an off day. In his view, the introduction of VAR would not remove the need for referees, but would give them an additional means of checking decisions that could influence the outcome of important matches.

Sundowns’ win secured their place in the MTN8 final despite the controversy surrounding Badi and his team’s decisions. The result also left the tie level on aggregate at 3-3.