Ncikazi says PSL should adopt Bundesliga’s method to hold referees to account
“I saw the invention [referees being interviewed in Bundesliga] but first it should be VAR."
Amid continuous poor officiating in the PSL, Orlando Pirates assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi has suggested that match officials should be held accountable by explaining their decisions during post-match interviews.
The standard of refereeing in the PSL continues on a downward spiral, with many coaches such as Romain Folz and Eric Tinkler having recently cried foul over refereeing blunders.
Mandla Ncikazi believes the PSL along with SAFA should adopt Bundesliga’s method of match officials explaining their decisions on television for everyone including the supporters to understand their thought process.
Referees in German’s topflight – Bundesliga – usually take time to explain controversial decisions on TV after the match.
And although Mandla Ncikazi is fond of that, he insists that the PSL need to start by considering introducing VAR to improve the game of football and the standard of officiating in the country.
NCIKAZI EXPLAINS HOW PSL REFEREES SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE
“I saw the invention [referees being interviewed in Bundesliga] but first it should be VAR,” said Ncikaz as the competence of referees is questioned.
“And then VAR, you explain your decision for the spectators to hear.
“I’m sure it will reduce a bit of conflict and assumptions that you always have about referee’s decision, and it will also a hold the officials accountable for the decisions they make.
“But VAR first and then the next phase [referees explaining their decisions]. I think it will help our league,” added Ncikazi.
Furthermore, Pirates coach Jose Riveiro was shown a red card in the club’s 2-0 win over second-tier league side All Stars in the Nedbank Cup last 32 clash during the weekend and Ncikazi stated he tried to seek answers from referee Xola Sitela.
WHY REFEREE GAVE NO EXPLANTION FOR THE RED CARD
Ncikazi says Sitela and his assistants on the night at the Wits Stadium were reluctant to offer any explanation for sending Riveiro off in the 66th minute.
“I’m not exactly sure what happened. I tried to speak to the officials, but I think their protocol doesn’t allow them,” revealed Ncikazi
“But I did not see what really happened between him and the officials.”
However, it is understood that Riveiro mouthed profanities towards the referee prior to Thembinkosi Lorch and Vincent Pule coming onto the field of play.
Prior to the FIFA Club World Cup, which was hosted in Morocco, the International Football Association Board [IFAB] authorised a trial to have referees explain a VAR decision to the stadium and TV audience via the PA system.
The historic moment unfolded in Al-Ahly’s 3-0 win over Australian outfit Auckland City.
With Ahly leading 3-0, Auckland defender Adam Mitchell fouled winger Taher Mohamed just outside of the box.
Chinese referee Ma Ning, who has been a FIFA-listed official since 2011, initially gave a penalty but was advised to re-watch the incident at his pitch-side monitor.
He changed the decision to a free kick just outside of the box and a red card for Mitchell.
The referee explained via the PA system: “Decision will be a free kick. Auckland No.3 – denial of a goalscoring opportunity.”
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