Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has weighed in on the imminent rollout of the VAR system in the Betway Premiership, a move widely seen as a solution to the officiating inconsistencies that have plagued the league.
The reaction follows an announcement made by the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, on Wednesday, 4 March, confirming that the Video Assistant Referee will be introduced in the 2026/2027 PSL season.
Minister McKenzie confirmed that the government has already “transferred the first R20 million tranche to the SAFA as part of a three-year implementation plan.”
In September last year, the South African government stated that they will allocate R82 million for the implementation of VAR in the country, in collaboration with SAFA and the PSL.
GAYTON MCKENZIE’S STATEMENT ON VAR IMPLEMENTATION IN SOUTH AFRICA
Despite a projected financial estimate of R80 million, McKenzie confirmed that the final costs were substantially lower. He described the outcome as a victory for “responsible government in action,” highlighting the department’s commitment to fiscal discipline.
“When this discussion began, we were told that implementing VAR in South Africa could cost as much as R80 million. The final cost of implementing VAR has come in significantly lower than the figures we were originally told. This is responsible government in action,” said McKenzie.
“The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has allocated funding for this project and transferred the first R20 million tranche to SAFA as part of a three-year rollout plan.
“Instead of rushing into the process, SAFA assembled a technical refereeing team to properly evaluate the options. That team was led by Daniel Bennett, working alongside Victor Gomes, Jerome Damon and Abdul Ebrahim, to ensure that South Africa implements VAR fully in line with global standards.”
The sport minister further highlighted that his department undertook a comprehensive international benchmarking exercise, which involved high-level consultations in Spain and engagements with Premier League Productions in the United Kingdom.
“My office also conducted benchmarking internationally, including engagements in Spain and with Premier League Productions in the United Kingdom,” he added.
WHAT ABDESLAM OUADDOU HAD TO SAY ABOUT VAR ROLLOUT
With the imminent introduction of the VAR system in South Africa, Ouaddou remains focused on his responsibilities as the Buccaneers’ coach, stating that he will leave the VAR rollout to those responsible for it.
“Well, this is not my job to answer for that [VAR implementation in South Africa]. But for me, I’m just focused on coaching my team, trying to play some nice football, and being ambitious for our club and our fans,” said Ouaddou.
“If there is something to be decided in that case [VAR rollout], I put my trust and confidence in the individuals involved in that process to do their work.”
This unusually lenient outlook stands in stark contrast to the growing outcry from his Premiership colleagues. Tacticians such as Manqoba Mngqithi, Gavin Hunt, Miguel Cardoso, and Cedric Kaze have been increasingly vocal, labelling the standard of officiating as a crisis and demanding the immediate implementation of VAR to protect the integrity of the game.
Ouaddou’s reserved stance also comes on the heels of a contentious 2-1 victory over Polokwane City FC on Wednesday. in the league. Despite a controversial moment at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, the Pirates mentor refused to blame the officiating after a penalty decision was overturned.
In the dying minutes of the first half, PLK City defender Tlou Nkwe appeared to handle the ball, denying Evidence Makgopa a clear goal-scoring opportunity. While the referee initially pointed to the spot, he later rescinded the decision following a consultation.
“Things happen too fast for match officials during a game,” Ouaddou remarked, defending the referee’s change of heart.
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