After Kaizer Chiefs’ narrow and highly contentious 2-1 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns on September 28th, discussions surrounding the implementation of VAR in South African football have gained momentum once again.
The defeat was riddled with debatable refereeing decisions that left AmaKhosi fans in uproar, reigniting the call for the introduction of VAR technology in local matches.
The game was a closely fought contest, with Sundowns showcasing their usual dominance, but Chiefs never backed down.
They applied constant pressure, which led to a standout performance from Bafana Bafana and Sundowns’ goalkeeper, Ronwen Williams, who managed to keep Chiefs at bay.
Heated Post-Match Reactions
Following the final whistle, the outrage spilled over onto social media.
Newly appointed sports minister, Gayton McKenzie, didn’t hold back, taking to X (formerly Twitter) to voice his frustration.
He tweeted, “All football-loving fans know that the time for VAR has arrived in SA football. We need VAR, and we need it now.
Those meetings start now because we are not a 10th-world country. I shall report back soonest after meeting SAFA and the PSL this week.”
What was once met with skepticism by fans and players alike has now become a necessity.
With VAR successfully integrated into European football and other regions, the absence of it in the PSL has left many puzzled.
Nabi’s Frustration with Officiating
Kaizer Chiefs head coach, Nasreddine Nabi, was also vocal about his discontent with the officiating.
Speaking to SNL24, Nabi expressed his disbelief over the decisions that marred the game. “I called the referees; it’s a clear offside. I’m surprised that in South Africa, we play without VAR.
It’s not possible in Tunisia, Morocco, North Africa, and for a big country like South Africa, a big federation and national team, to not have VAR?”
Nabi further pointed out how the disallowed goal in the final minutes was a pivotal moment in the match, as Chiefs were denied an equalizer that could have changed the outcome.
Addressing Chiefs’ Performance
Shifting focus from the officiating, Nabi also expressed concern about his team’s mindset after Sundowns’ second goal, scored by Iqraam Rayners.
Speaking to FARPost, he stated, “I saw heads dropping when Sundowns scored the second goal. I do not like that. This is Kaizer Chiefs.”
He hinted at lingering mental blocks from last season’s struggles, adding, “Maybe it was the demons of last season, but I do not want that.”
Nabi’s firm stance on maintaining the club’s high standards was clear. “I don’t change because I am the first to step in the strategy. I had to step up because I dislike losing.
Maybe we played better than last season, but this is Kaizer Chiefs, we don’t accept to lose like that. If you don’t know what Kaizer Chiefs is, sorry you don’t have a place here.”
The Road Ahead for Chiefs
With the debate over VAR now a dominant topic in South African football, all eyes will be on the meetings between the sports ministry, SAFA, and the PSL to discuss its potential introduction.
For Chiefs, the focus now shifts to maintaining their performance levels and shaking off any lingering frustration from this controversial defeat as they continue their campaign.
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