The introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology into South African football has moved a step closer, with the South African Football Association (SAFA) scheduled to meet FIFA on Thursday, October 15, to seek approval to begin training and certifying local match officials.
Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has assured football supporters that VAR is coming, following a meeting with SAFA president Dr Danny Jordaan and other football and government officials in Pretoria on Wednesday.
“VAR is going to happen, and VAR is busy happening,” McKenzie said during a joint press conference at Freedom Park Heritage Site and Museum.
SAFA said the project, initiated in 2024, aims to modernise local football, strengthen referee development and ensure South African officials are adequately prepared for appointments in CAF and FIFA competitions.
The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has allocated R20 million towards the initiative, accelerating a project that SAFA had initially intended to fund in collaboration with COSAFA, CAF and FIFA.
According to SAFA, eight referees have already received VAR training through COSAFA, with Tom Abongile, Luxolo Badi and Akhona Makhalima fully approved as referee, VAR and AVAR officials.
The training and certification process is expected to take approximately six months and will include theoretical lessons, simulator-based sessions and practical field training.
The technology is expected to benefit competitions including the Betway Premiership, Hollywoodbets Super League, ABC Motsepe League and the national play-offs of the SAFA Women’s Provincial League.
However, SAFA cautioned that full implementation requires further coordination with the National Soccer League, broadcasters and technical service providers, alongside FIFA approval and the resolution of infrastructure, procurement and funding challenges.
The association said its immediate priority is to develop a larger pool of trained officials while outstanding technical and operational matters are addressed.
If successfully implemented, VAR would mark a significant step towards modernising South African football and improving decision-making in domestic competitions.