VAR South Africa Update: What SAFA Briefing With Minister Means For South Africa Football Technology

South African football fans don dey ask one question for months: when VAR go finally enter PSL?

For Wednesday, October 14, 2026, Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie and SAFA hold joint briefing for Freedom Park, Pretoria to give update, according to https://www.timeslive.co.za and https://www.sowetanlive.co.za.

Wetin the briefing be about?

Simply, money and timeline.

Government give SAFA R20 million in March/April 2026 to start VAR project — for initial implementation and referee training. Original plan na make VAR start for beginning of 2026/27 Betway Premiership season. E no happen.

Minister vex, write letter give SAFA in August, give dem 21 days to return money. SAFA reply say money still dey intact inside separate account, e never touch am. By September 23, balance na R20.57 million with interest, SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao confirm.

Now for briefing, McKenzie talk say he no go dey involved again: “Don’t ask me about VAR,” e talk. “I gave money to the CEO and I am now waiting for VAR. There is not a single thing I can do more.” E even joke say VAR must be called “McKenzie” when e finally come because he fight for am.

SAFA take over fully. Monyepao say dem get practical challenges wey delay am.

Why fans keep asking for VAR

For simple terms, VAR na Video Assistant Referee — extra referee wey dey watch match for screen for another room. If main referee miss penalty, red card, offside leading to goal, or mistaken identity, VAR fit tell am make e check again for monitor.

South African fans want am because PSL get many controversial calls every weekend — Chiefs vs Pirates, Sundowns vs Pirates games always get one disputed goal. Without VAR, referee mistake na final.

Also, CAF and FIFA dey use VAR for AFCON and World Cup qualifiers. South Africa get only three FIFA-certified VAR referees now: Abongile Tom, Luxolo Badi, Akhona Makalima. If local referees no train with VAR for PSL, dem no go get chance for big international games.

What questions still need answers

1. When exactly? No firm PSL date. SAFA now target Nedbank Cup semifinal and final for February 2027, and ABC Motsepe League playoffs, plus Hollywoodbets Super League — small controlled competitions first, not full PSL yet.
2. How much total cost? SAFA say dem need over R50 million for three years just for SAFA side. PSL operational cost — cameras, network, broadcast trucks — still separate. R20m na only start.
3. Technical wahala: Broadcasters need meet FIFA camera angles, high-speed network for remote VAR room, and new referee communication devices. SAFA go meet FIFA on Oct 15 to finalise training, and talk with COSAFA for joint training.
4. Who go pay remaining? Government don leave R20m with SAFA, but no new money announced. PSL, sponsors and SAFA must agree joint implementation strategy.

So briefing clear one thing: VAR go happen, but not tomorrow for every PSL game. E go start small for cup games, then expand.

Fans need still wait small, but at least money safe and plan dey.