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Sundowns Coach Calls for VAR as PSL Prepares for Milford Clash
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has publicly urged the Premier Soccer League (PSL) to introduce Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology ahead of the club’s Betway Premiership match against newly‑promoted Milford FC at Loftus Versfeld on Wednesday night. Cardoso said that VAR would help protect referees and reduce controversial decisions, citing a recent incident in the club’s MTN8 semi‑final.
The match is the first league fixture for Sundowns after they secured a place in the MTN8 final by overturning a 1‑0 first‑leg deficit against Golden Arrows. The return leg finished 3‑2, but the game was marred by a disputed handball call that ruled out a goal by Khulumani Ndamane. Cardoso said the decision added to the growing debate over officiating standards in the PSL.
"Mistakes can happen to anyone, but Minister (Gayton) Mckenzie finally agrees with me that VAR should correct those mistakes," Cardoso told reporters. He added that protecting referees is essential and that the technology would allow officials to make more accurate calls.
Cardoso’s comments come at a time when the South African Football Association (SAFA) has confirmed a plan to launch VAR in the PSL during the 2026/27 season. SAFA received a R20 million government grant to fund the project and has established a dedicated VAR Project Team to oversee implementation. The plan includes match‑official training beginning in July 2026 and experimental deployment in the 2026/27 Nedbank season.
The Sundowns, who have won 15 league titles and 18 overall in South Africa, are currently preparing to host Milford, a club that has recovered from a shaky start in the Premier Division. Milford’s record in the last three matches includes two wins and one draw after a defeat to Orlando Pirates in the opening round.
Cardoso, 54, has been one of the most outspoken coaches in the league regarding refereeing decisions. He has repeatedly called for better support for officials, noting that the system should be used to assist rather than criticize. In a recent interview, he said, "Let’s not judge the people that have a whistle in their hands because sometimes we also need to protect them."
The debate over VAR in South Africa has intensified following several controversial calls early in the season, including the handball ruling in the Sundowns‑Golden Arrows match. Fans and analysts have argued that the lack of video review has cost teams and players, while others have cautioned that the technology could add delays and complexity.
SAFA officials have stated that the introduction of VAR will be phased and that the league will monitor its impact closely. The R20 million grant is earmarked for equipment, training, and operational costs, but the association has not yet released a detailed timeline for full deployment.
For Sundowns, the upcoming match against Milford is a chance to maintain momentum after a successful run in the MTN8. The club’s manager emphasized the importance of focusing on performance rather than officiating controversies.
Milford’s recent form suggests the club is capable of challenging established teams. Their two victories in the last three games demonstrate resilience, and the team will look to build on that experience against a club that has already proven its quality in the league.
In summary, Miguel Cardoso’s call for VAR reflects a broader conversation about officiating in the PSL. While the league is working toward a 2026/27 launch, the immediate focus for both Sundowns and Milford is the upcoming match at Loftus Versfeld. The outcome will influence the teams’ positions in the league standings and set the tone for the remainder of the season.
The match will take place on September 2, 2026, with kickoff scheduled for 19:30 local time. Both clubs will be under scrutiny as the PSL continues to navigate the balance between maintaining traditional refereeing authority and embracing technology to improve fairness on the pitch.
The match is the first league fixture for Sundowns after they secured a place in the MTN8 final by overturning a 1‑0 first‑leg deficit against Golden Arrows. The return leg finished 3‑2, but the game was marred by a disputed handball call that ruled out a goal by Khulumani Ndamane. Cardoso said the decision added to the growing debate over officiating standards in the PSL.
"Mistakes can happen to anyone, but Minister (Gayton) Mckenzie finally agrees with me that VAR should correct those mistakes," Cardoso told reporters. He added that protecting referees is essential and that the technology would allow officials to make more accurate calls.
Cardoso’s comments come at a time when the South African Football Association (SAFA) has confirmed a plan to launch VAR in the PSL during the 2026/27 season. SAFA received a R20 million government grant to fund the project and has established a dedicated VAR Project Team to oversee implementation. The plan includes match‑official training beginning in July 2026 and experimental deployment in the 2026/27 Nedbank season.
The Sundowns, who have won 15 league titles and 18 overall in South Africa, are currently preparing to host Milford, a club that has recovered from a shaky start in the Premier Division. Milford’s record in the last three matches includes two wins and one draw after a defeat to Orlando Pirates in the opening round.
Cardoso, 54, has been one of the most outspoken coaches in the league regarding refereeing decisions. He has repeatedly called for better support for officials, noting that the system should be used to assist rather than criticize. In a recent interview, he said, "Let’s not judge the people that have a whistle in their hands because sometimes we also need to protect them."
The debate over VAR in South Africa has intensified following several controversial calls early in the season, including the handball ruling in the Sundowns‑Golden Arrows match. Fans and analysts have argued that the lack of video review has cost teams and players, while others have cautioned that the technology could add delays and complexity.
SAFA officials have stated that the introduction of VAR will be phased and that the league will monitor its impact closely. The R20 million grant is earmarked for equipment, training, and operational costs, but the association has not yet released a detailed timeline for full deployment.
For Sundowns, the upcoming match against Milford is a chance to maintain momentum after a successful run in the MTN8. The club’s manager emphasized the importance of focusing on performance rather than officiating controversies.
Milford’s recent form suggests the club is capable of challenging established teams. Their two victories in the last three games demonstrate resilience, and the team will look to build on that experience against a club that has already proven its quality in the league.
In summary, Miguel Cardoso’s call for VAR reflects a broader conversation about officiating in the PSL. While the league is working toward a 2026/27 launch, the immediate focus for both Sundowns and Milford is the upcoming match at Loftus Versfeld. The outcome will influence the teams’ positions in the league standings and set the tone for the remainder of the season.
The match will take place on September 2, 2026, with kickoff scheduled for 19:30 local time. Both clubs will be under scrutiny as the PSL continues to navigate the balance between maintaining traditional refereeing authority and embracing technology to improve fairness on the pitch.
