McKenzie demands update on VAR as South African football faces renewed scrutiny

Gayton McKenzie, South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, has again contacted the South African Football Association (SAFA) to ask about the delayed introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in the country’s football competitions.

The minister said his department had written to SAFA for an update after a challenge involving Kaizer Chiefs defender Zitha Kwinika and Tashreeq Matthews prompted renewed concern about player safety. Kwinika appeared to plant his studs into the back of Matthews while attempting to clear the ball.

McKenzie expressed his anger on X and said the need for progress on VAR had become increasingly pressing. South African football has been discussing the technology since last year, but the process remains unresolved.

The 2026/27 campaign has begun without any visible progress towards implementing VAR. McKenzie’s latest intervention underlines the growing pressure for the issue to be addressed as soon as possible.

“We have written letters to @SAFA_net to enquire about progress with VAR, this matter has never been more urgent judging from some of the rough tackles on players.

“Will give feedback on Tuesday,” he said.

The minister’s comments come after a number of high-profile injuries involving players in South African football. Teboho Mokoena of Mamelodi Sundowns suffered an open cut, while Orlando Pirates midfielder Sihle Nduli is expected to be out for four months after sustaining a Grade 3 ligament tear in his ankle.

Those injuries were cited as examples of the risks players face and added to the calls for stronger intervention. The latest incident involving Kwinika and Matthews has further highlighted the debate around officiating, serious tackles and whether VAR should now be introduced without further delay.

The VAR process has been a longstanding issue in Mzansi football. Despite efforts to bring the system into operation since last year, no conclusion has yet been reached, and the new campaign has started without the technology in place.

McKenzie’s department is now awaiting a response from SAFA. He said he would provide feedback on Tuesday, although the source article does not give further details about what that response is expected to contain.

The minister’s appeal comes as South African football continues to deal with concern over player welfare and the consistency of decisions surrounding potentially dangerous challenges. His latest correspondence represents another attempt to obtain clarity on when, or whether, VAR will be introduced.

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