The highly anticipated heavyweight match-up between Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs was supposed to determine the real champions of the league as the Soweto Giants have worked hard to prove themselves as a title contender once more, however, it has done quite the opposite with a controversial ending to the game. This has led to the call for the introduction of VAR to the league getting even louder.
The officiating in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) has been a constant concern, and the match-up on Saturday further reiterated the need for the league to improve in this regard. A quick review of the game reveals that the second goal scored by Sundown’s Iqraam Rayners should have not counted as the attacker was offside.
Looks offside to me π€·πΎββοΈ
#Amakhosi4Life #PSL #Sundowns pic.twitter.com/aJVFs9t2vRβ Sipho (@SiphoMonakali) September 28, 2024
To make matters worse, a potential equaliser by Kaizer Chiefs was ruled as a foul by one official, and an off-side by another, which upon further inspection should have been awarded to the Soweto Giants.
ππππππ¦ πππ‘πππ ππ‘ π§ππ πππ¦π§ π ππ‘π¨π§π
Kaizer Chiefs score but the referees adjudge that there is a foul in the box.
Score remains as is and the missiles are raining down on the assistant referees!
Kaizer Chiefs 1-2 Mamelodi Sundowns pic.twitter.com/8S1xpDkyLg
β Sahil Ebrahim (@sahil_e_) September 28, 2024
The officiating and subsequent results of the match have resulted in a nationwide uproar, as Kaizer Chiefs fans are not holding back in expressing their disappointment and disgust at the lack of professionalism that has occurred in the PSL.
Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has also commented on the issue, highlighting the need for technologies such as VAR in the league. Assuring the public, the minister expressed that he would convene with the South African Football Association (SAFA) and PSL
All football loving fans know that the time for VAR has arrived in SA football. We need VAR & we need it now, those meetings start now because we are not a 10th world country. I shall report back soonest after meeting SAFA & the PSL this week.
β Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) September 29, 2024
Although the minister’s suggestion would be a step in the right direction, perhaps ensuring that officials are provided with adequate training would prove more beneficial for the league and the sport overall.
