Gayton McKenzie, the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture has confirmed that they have yet again engaged SAFA regarding the progress made in introducing Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in South African football.
This has been a longstanding process with a conclusion yet to be made despite efforts to implement VAR in Mzansi football since last year.
The 2026/27 campaign has gotten underway without any progress made on the VAR front and it goes without saying that serious intervention needs to be stepped up as soon as possible.
Teboho Mokoena of Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates’ Sihle Nduli just to mention a few have been victims of bad injuries with Tebza suffering an open cut while Nduli is out for four months after a Grade 3 ligament tear in his ankle.
McKenzie was livid in his comment on X after Kaizer Chiefs defender Zitha Kwinika appeared to plant his studs in the back of Tashreeq Matthews while clearing the ball.
The incident thus saw McKenzie confirming that his department had sent correspondence to the SAFA to get an update on the VAR situation.
“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.
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