Mngqithi Calls For VAR After Cissé Red Card Blow

Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi has renewed his call for the introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology after a controversial decision led to the suspension of star midfielder Isaac Cissé.

Cissé was sent off during Arrows’ victory over bottom-placed Magesi FC last weekend following a sliding challenge on Samuel Darpoh.

Replays suggested that Cissé’s foot was planted on the ground and that he did not make contact with Darpoh, who was already on the floor.

Referee Luxolo Badi nonetheless issued a red card in what appeared to be a harsh decision. Some observers felt the foul should instead have been awarded in Cissé’s favour.

Arrows Without Cissé for Nedbank Cup Clash

The suspension means Arrows will be without the influential Ivorian when they host Stellenbosch FC in the Nedbank Cup Round of 16 at King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday.

Mngqithi admitted there is little chance of overturning the decision.

“I don’t think there is much we can do because it was not a case of mistaken identity,” said Mngqithi when asked about a possible appeal.

“The referee knew what he was doing. I think he just made a mistake — and I also made a mistake initially because, from where I was standing, I thought Cissé had fouled due to the aggression of the tackle. But when you watch the game in slow motion, you start to see it differently.”

Mngqithi Advocates for VAR in South African Football

Mngqithi believes such incidents highlight the urgent need for VAR in South African football.

“These are some of the reasons I have advocated for VAR. Some of these decisions are bound to happen because the game has become too quick. If we don’t have second opinions through video footage, we will continue to miss a lot of things,” he said.

“Sometimes I feel for referees because their mistakes can be very costly. It is not about being malicious — it is the dynamism and speed of the modern game.

“I don’t think it was a bad idea to introduce VAR. Maybe VAR should be part of the modern game because the modern game has too many fast-moving situations.”

Isaac Cissé’s Rising Profile

Cissé, who joined Arrows from SO Armée during the off-season, has made 13 appearances across all competitions this campaign, scoring three goals.

The midfielder has attracted interest from top clubs, with Sportswire linking him — along with Siyanda Ndlovu — to Orlando Pirates. There have also been suggestions that Mamelodi Sundowns are monitoring Ndlovu as a potential transfer target.

Despite praising Cissé’s talent, Mngqithi believes the player is still developing.

“He is progressing well, but in my opinion, he is still a young player who makes some unnecessary mistakes in critical areas,” said Mngqithi.

“Sometimes he loses position too easily, but the potential is immense. The quality he brings to the team is immense.

“It’s only a matter of time before I can confidently say he has reached the right level. I see him closely every day, and I know the potential is huge — but he still needs to work hard on certain aspects of his game.”