UMkhonto we Sizwe Party National Organiser Floyd Shivambu has joined many politicians in the country, calling the standard of refereeing in the match between Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns appalling and the urgent need for the VAR system to be implemented in the PSL.  

Shivambu was in the stands as Chiefs lost 2-1 to Mamelodi Sundowns in the Betway Premiership at the sold-out FNB Stadium on Saturday.  

However, Sundowns’ second goal was scored by Iqraam Rayners, In the build-up to the goal, the Brazilian striker Lucas Ribeiro Costa appeared to be offside before squaring for the former Stellenbosch FC striker to finish it off.  

As that was not enough, Chiefs were able to view the incident on their iPad in the dugout, and the coaching staff led by Nasreddine Nabi made his feelings known to the referee Skhumbuzo Gasa, who was in charge of the game, that it was offside.  

The PSL referee of the Season also ordered Chiefs technical team to remove the iPad they were viewing the game, while he didn’t have a VAR monitor to rewatch the incident.  

Arts, Culture and Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie also called on the PSL and SAFA to come together and introduce the VAR system and that was also added by Chiefs coach Nabi who said that in such a big country like South Africa, it is surprising that they don’t have VAR in place to help referees to get calls right.   

“We went to watch the terribly officiated match between Kaizer Chiefs and Sundowns on Sunday,” said Shivambu in the post.

“And SAFA has to intervene decisively with reckless referees because it’s not good for football!”  

This was Chiefs’ first loss in the three matches, having won the previous two – against Marumo Gallants and AmaZulu respectively where those matches were sold out.  

While Chiefs lost some grounds having also seen Orlando Pirates beat Richards Bay at King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday to go joint top of the Betway Premiership table, Shivambu is convinced Chiefs will be stronger this season as they seek their first league title since 2014/15 season.    

“Amakhosi will be the most dominant team this season,” he said in short.