Cardoso Demands Video Technology After Disallowed Ndamane’s MTN8 Goal
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has declared it “clear as daylight” that Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology is needed in South African football after Khulumane Ndamane was denied a legitimate goal against Golden Arrows in the MTN8 semi-final second leg.
Ndamane, making his first start of the season, thought he had given Sundowns a 2-1 aggregate lead in the 51st minute when he bundled the ball home from close range at King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday.
However, referee Luxolo Badi disallowed the goal for a handball and booked Ndamane for protesting—despite television replays clearly showing the ball had struck his chest.
Exiting the competition due to the officiating error would have been a bitter pill to swallow for Sundowns, who bounced back from a 1-0 first-leg loss to score three goals on Sunday.
Sundowns ultimately advanced 3-3 on the away-goals rule and will now face MTN8 cup kings Orlando Pirates on 10 October.
“I think mistakes can happen to everybody. What should happen is—as Minister McKenzie finally admitted—surely VAR should correct those mistakes,” Cardoso said.
Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has insisted in recent weeks that his department has done everything possible to bring VAR to the PSL, adding that he knows who is blocking the technology’s rollout.
McKenzie released R30 million in treasury funding for VAR months ago, but the money remains unspent by SAFA, who stated the funds were deposited into a separate account.
The minister stated he wants the money returned if SAFA fails to use it, though the association was granted a 21-day grace period.
Meanwhile, the debate surrounding VAR continues to dominate South African football discussions. Sportswire has also learned who is allegedly blocking VAR implementation in the PSL, with McKenzie reportedly ready to expose those responsible.
“We should protect the referees when it comes to VAR,” added Cardoso, who has advocated for VAR in the PSL since his arrival in December 2024.
“I remember the first fixture of this competition against Polokwane City [in the quarter-finals], so let’s not judge the people holding the whistle. Let’s just create conditions where we can all work as best as possible, in the best interest of the game, football, and South Africa. That is all I have to say.”
