Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso calls for VAR implementation in Mzansi after Golden Arrows slip-up as Sekhukhune United showdown in Nedbank Cup looms - 'Too many mistakes in one match'

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has commented on the need for a Video Assistant Referee in the Premier Soccer League following their controversial league encounter against Golden Arrows.

The Brazilians settled for a draw with Abafana Bes’thende after a disappointing 1-1 standoff at the Mpumalanga Stadium. In that game, Peter Shalulile found the net with a goal that appeared legitimate, but it was disallowed for offside.

Recently, there has been a significant outcry from South African football fans urging for the introduction of VAR in the PSL due to numerous controversies.

Speaking at the Nedbank Cup press conference ahead of Sundowns' quarter-final match against Sekhukhune United, Cardoso shared his thoughts regarding VAR. 

"I don't really like to personalize whatever has to do with referees. I will never do it because I think in the end the coach has more to lose than to win when he personalizes the question," Cardoso told the media. 

"You are the ones who should speak for your football. You are the ones who should defend your football. It's up to you to highlight what's good or bad that is being done. The level of the coaches is increased, the level of players is increased and also the level of referees should be increased, not only in South Africa but everywhere in the world. 

"It's very important that VAR be put on in South Africa. It would help the referees because referees are also human beings and when they make a mistake, normally, it can happen. When it's too many mistakes in one match, obviously it's not comfortable. What is important is to defend football," he added. 

"There must be a clear vision of development. For example, in Portugal, there is always a meeting before the match between the referees and the two parties where they discuss the organization of a match. When I was an assistant coach, I used to attend all those meetings. And there, there was talk about how people should relate, even the relation between the referees and the coaches who are on the bench."

Not only has the Sundowns coach voiced his dissatisfaction with referees, but almost every mentor in the PSL and their club's supporters have been lamenting as match officials continue to make questionable decisions.

Amidst the demands for technology in the local top-tier league, Sports, Arts, and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie confirmed last year that VAR would be implemented in April 2025.

Even though the government official is aware of the high costs associated with the VAR initiative, he recently reiterated that his commitment remains on track for implementation of VAR following discussions with the Safa NEC and PSL board.

Sundowns are set to face Sekhukhune United, who recently parted ways with their head coach Lehlohonolo Seema on Thursday, in the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday.

On the other hand, it remains to be seen whether McKenzie, the PSL, and Safa will successfully introduce VAR to the PSL by the end of next month, as vowed by the sports minister.