Da Cruz backs VAR introduction after Kaizer Chiefs suffer another frustrating draw

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz has joined the calls for video assistant referee technology to be introduced in the Betway Premiership after his side were held to a 1-1 draw by Polokwane City.

The result at the Old Peter Mokaba extended a frustrating period for Amakhosi, with Da Cruz using his post-match media conference to explain why he believes VAR could improve both officiating and the overall standard of the league.

The Frenchman stopped short of directly criticising the match officials, instead highlighting decisions from recent Kaizer Chiefs matches which he felt might have been reviewed differently had the technology been available.

“I don’t want to attack the referee because I know that it is difficult, especially because they don’t have the VAR,” Da Cruz told journalists.

“But in Richards Bay, we had a transition situation and an offside that didn’t exist.

“Last week against Siwelele, we scored a goal that was valid, but it was refused for an offside that didn’t exist.”

Da Cruz said the introduction of VAR would not necessarily benefit Kaizer Chiefs in every situation, but argued that its wider use would provide support to referees and help raise standards across the competition.

“I think that for the quality of the championship, we need to help the referees, especially with the idea that the VAR should be there,” he added.

“Sometimes, it can turn against us, but sometimes, it will help us.”

Debate over officiating has continued to grow in the PSL, with Da Cruz suggesting that additional assistance could make difficult decisions more manageable for referees while improving confidence in the league’s outcomes.

Kaizer Chiefs’ next opportunity to return to winning ways will come against Golden Arrows in KwaZulu-Natal on Sunday. That match will be their final league fixture before the international break.