Da Cruz urges VAR introduction to support referees and develop PSL

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz has called for the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system to be introduced in South African football, saying it would help match officials and contribute to the development of the league.

The issue has been a major topic of discussion in the local game for at least the past two seasons, with calls for the technology gaining further momentum during the previous campaign.

Da Cruz raised the matter after Kaizer Chiefs drew 1-1 with Polokwane City at the old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday. The coach believed his side should have been awarded a penalty late in the second half after Pule Mmodi was fouled.

He also pointed to decisions in earlier matches which he felt had gone against his team, while stressing that VAR should not be viewed solely as a means of assisting clubs. In his view, the technology would also provide important support for referees on the pitch.

“He says also just to finish, also to develop the PSL to help our referees we need to set-up the VAR,” said Da Cruz.

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture announced last season that it had provided money to the South African Football Association (SAFA) for the implementation of VAR. However, with the system yet to be introduced, the department also threatened to seek the return of those funds.

Several coaches have spoken publicly about the consequences of not having VAR in the local game. The technology is already in use across many leagues worldwide, including some competitions in Africa.

Da Cruz cited three incidents involving Kaizer Chiefs when explaining why he believes the system is needed.

“He says because against Richards Bay one offside, there was no offside and then we could score goals. Against Siwelele the goal of [Wandile] Duba was a goal and today there was a penalty. So, he says if we want to continue to develop the championship we need to set-up the VAR to help our referees.

“Sometimes it can be against us but for three games it can be with us.

“He says he doesn’t want to offend or to attack the referee but it’s important to set-up the VAR to support and to help the referee on the field.”