South African football could be heading into one of its biggest changes in years, with the long-debated arrival of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) finally set to become a reality in the Premier Soccer League (PSL), Cape {town} Etc reports.
After countless disputed goals, penalty calls and controversial red cards that have sparked outrage among supporters, coaches and clubs, the South African Football Association (SAFA) has now confirmed that VAR is expected to be operational when the next PSL season kicks off.
The announcement came from Mxolisi Sibam during discussions at SAFA House, where he said the project had already been underway for several months behind the scenes.
For many fans, it is news they have been waiting years to hear.
The absence of VAR in South Africa has become one of the most criticised aspects of the domestic game, especially as major leagues around the world have already integrated the technology into regular matchday operations.
In recent PSL seasons, refereeing decisions have repeatedly dominated headlines, sometimes overshadowing the football itself.
Social media has become the battleground after controversial calls, with clips circulating within minutes and supporters often accusing officials of changing the outcome of crucial matches.
That frustration may soon ease.
Speaking to reporters, Sibam confirmed that government support has played a key role in getting the system off the ground.
‘Yes, the government has been very generous with us. They have funded… they have given us R20 million to implement VAR,’ said Sibam.
He explained that SAFA’s current NEC meeting is expected to finalise approval of the budget, allowing the implementation phase to move fully ahead.
‘And we are in the process, at this current NEC meeting that is going on now, we are going to finalise the approval of that budget so that we can go on with the work.’
Importantly, he stressed the process is not only starting now.
For some supporters, there had been concern that SAFA was only beginning preparations and that delays could still derail the launch.
Sibam said much of the groundwork had already been completed over the past seven months.
‘Just to say that, the work has been going on for the past seven months or so.’
‘So, it’s not like we will be starting [from scratch], and the target… fortunately, this morning the referees and the guys who are in charge of it, are targeting that when the new season starts VAR will be up and running,’ concluded Sibam.
The move marks a significant shift for South African football.
For years, clubs have publicly called for VAR, particularly after controversial title races and cup matches where refereeing decisions drew widespread criticism.
Several PSL coaches have previously questioned why South Africa, one of the continent’s strongest football economies, remained behind in adopting the technology.
The issue became especially heated during high-profile clashes involving giants like Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, where marginal offside decisions and missed penalties often sparked days of debate.
Successful VAR depends heavily on training, infrastructure and consistency, not just installing cameras.
That concern is valid.
Across Europe, VAR has improved decision-making in many cases, but it has also created fresh debates around delays, interpretation and human error.
In South Africa, the challenge will not simply be introducing the system, but ensuring referees are properly trained to use it under pressure.
Still, for local football, this could be the beginning of a new era.
And after years of frustration from players, coaches and fans, the next PSL season may finally bring one thing supporters have been asking for every weekend, a second look.
Be the first to know – Join our WhatsApp Channel for content worth tapping into! Click here to join!
Also read:
South Africa traces 97 hantavirus contacts after cruise case
Picture: Grant Pitcher / Gallo Images
