Experts Argue Professional Referees Are Key Fix for South African Soccer Over VAR

OFFICIATING STANDARDS: VAR can reduce errors in SA soccer, but professional referees are the real fix

While the conversation around the introduction of VAR in South African soccer rages on after Minister of Sport Gayton McKenzie promised that it would be introduced in April 2025, the bigger picture is that South African referees are still semi-professional. Most juggle being match officials with other full-time jobs.

By Yanga Sibembe