Chippa United boss Siviwe Mpengesi has called for the introduction of video assistant referee (VAR) technology in South African football.
The Chilli Boys’ chairman argued that VAR would improve officiating and make the game more fair. Mpengesi stated that his team were denied legitimate goals in their DStv Premiership games against Moroka Swallows and AmaZulu FC.
He believes VAR would be a game-changer in SA’s top flight as the technology will get rid of the incompetence of match officials.
The Chippa owner, released a statement on Monday slamming recent refereeing decisions that have gone against his club.
MPENGESI BELIEVES VAR WOULD BE BENEFICIAL TO LOCAL FOOTBALL
“In recent matches, outcomes for Chippa United FC have spotlighted the pressing concerns within the officiating system under SAFA’s stewardship,” said Mpengesi.
“In our matches against AmaZulu FC and Moroka Swallows FC, two goals were disallowed, which led the club to miss out on four pivotal points due to decisions by assistant referees. Their role is pivotal to upholding the game’s fairness, and recent misjudgements underline a stark need for enhancement.
“As Chippa United FC, we are not asking for favours. Losing is part of the game, and usually, the most prepared team wins. “Yes, the adoption of VAR requires a substantial investment from the PSL, but the repercussions of not having it both in terms of credibility and the overall quality of our game could be even more costly. VAR allows transparency and everyone’s involvement.”
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Chippa Siviwe Mpengesi added: “It safeguards and takes away the burden from match officials on making uncertain decisions. While sports analysts dissect the decisions of match officials on TV, their insights, though valued, cannot undo the points lost or rectify the damage incurred by these decisions,” he said.
“Now clubs are more worried about the incompetency of the officiating instead of the preparation against the opposition. Some clubs refer to various forms of spiritual intervention in the hopes of ensuring match officials uphold fairness and justice.
“I pen this with deep empathy for match officials; they are human beings. I firmly believe that with the right assistance, they can elevate their performance. In the short term, my plea to SAFA is clear: elevate the skills and tools available to its assistant referees and fourth officials.”