In the build-up to Mamelodi Sundowns‘ crucial CAF Champions League clash against Yanga SC, Rulani Mokwena has made a plea to officials about the usage of VAR.
The SA champions, Sundowns will take on Tanazian giants Yanga in the CAF Champions League quarter-final first-leg at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Saturday night [20:00].
Sundowns coach Mokwena has expressed his hope that the VAR system will be applied with the same level of competence seen at the recent AFCON tournament, during the match against Young Africans.
“I think it’s good. VAR comes in at a very good time where after AFCON the level of officiating was magnificent,” said Mokwena.
RULANI MOKWENA HOPING FOR CONSISTENCY IN VAR STANDARDS
“We also had one of the best coaches in the world Jose Mourinho speaking about the quality of VAR [at AFCON]. How the referees handled the Cup of Nations. I really hope that because of the standards that have been put there, I hope it’s the same referees that were doing [the AFCON].
“I was watching games during AFCON and I saw a lot of familiar faces with the referees. Then I said ‘Oh ‘this referee is actually a lot better than I have seen him officiate,” he said.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS COACH HOPING CAF OFFICIALS CONTINUE TO LEAD BY EXAMPLE
“Some of you think he is very good and should be there. Others think before the game starts, but why is this referee doing such important games in the AFCON? Then he surprises you with a magnificent performance.’
“Hopefully, they continue like that because they have been amazing, particularly at the Cup of Nations. Hopefully, the standards of officiating and the influence of VAR stay at that level where the rest of the world is trying to say.
“Actually, this is how VAR should be used to influence the performance of the referees and minimize mistakes. So hopefully that happens, and let’s see how it goes.”
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