Manqoba Mngqithi calls for VAR yet again

Golden Arrows head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has called for the the implementation of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in the Premier Soccer League (PSL).

The KZN-born mentor has been vocal about the urgent need of the technology in the South African topflight, having already raised concerns after his team's league defeat to Kaizer Chiefs in September.

Mngqithi was recently entrusted with leading the Carling All-Stars team against Orlando Pirates last Saturday, and his team appeared to have been robbed of two clear penalties.

Now, the 54-year-old tactician has reiterated his stance on the VAR, stating that it would minimize mistakes made by the officials.

“I have been calling for that for a long time because even with VAR there are mistakes, but at least there's exposure to those mistakes and you are able to reflect on these mistakes,” said the former Mamelodi Sundowns boss.

"But sometimes in the PSL, if this [particular] team is affected by decisions it means nothing, but when another team is affected by this decision you can hear the uproar.

"So, for me I think VAR will just help to expose these things and also be able to keep track of these mistakes because sometimes the same referees make the same mistakes for the same matches or teams and you don't want that in football.

He went on: "You want honest mistakes and honest mistakes I will always accept them because sometimes I also think it's an offside and it's not an offside. It happens in football but I think with VAR you eliminate the question mark then you say, ‘Refree can you come and see this and tell us do you really think it’s not a foul,'. If he says it's not a foul then you move on but at least it's there.

Meanwhile, Mngqithi's Arrows will return to Betway Premiership action with a visit to the FNB Stadium, where they will face Chiefs on 20 January 2026.

Hlayisani Magoro

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Football journalist from South Africa covering African football news, exclusive stories and key events while sharing insights with passionate fans of the game.

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