A disputed refereeing decision during a South African Premiership fixture on Sunday has intensified calls for the introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in the country's top-flight football league.
In the match between Polokwane City and Richards Bay, which ended 2-1 in favor of Polokwane, a critical moment unfolded in the second half when Richards Bay appealed for a penalty, alleging a handball by Polokwane substitute defender Malebogo Modise. The referee initially awarded a corner, then briefly changed the call to a penalty after consulting an assistant referee, only to reverse the decision again and revert to a corner kick. Television replays suggested the ball struck Modise's body, not his hand.
Simphiwe 'Shorty' Dludlu, a SuperSport TV analyst and former women's football coach, emphasized the urgency of adopting VAR, stating, "VAR must come to South Africa now." The country's Sports Minister, Gayton McKenzie, has been a vocal advocate for VAR, highlighting the league's status as the richest in Africa with a first prize of 20 million rand (approximately $1.2 million).
South Africa would join Morocco and Egypt among African nations that have integrated VAR into their domestic leagues.
Match Highlights
- Polokwane City took an early lead when Ndamulelo Maphangule headed in a corner in the 18th minute past Kenyan goalkeeper Ian Otieno.
- Tidimalo Molokwane extended the lead in the 55th minute by converting a rebound.
- Richards Bay responded in the 69th minute with a powerful header from Simphiwe Mcineka, narrowing the deficit.
Elsewhere on Sunday, TS Galaxy battled back twice to secure a 2-2 draw against Siwelele in Bloemfontein.
