Cape Town – The South African Football Association (SAFA) referees department has confirmed that Video Assistant Referee (VAR) is set to be trialled later this season, sparking hope that the technology could finally make its way into domestic competitions.
A dedicated VAR Project Team has already been appointed by SAFA to oversee the rollout.
The report indicates that the Nedbank Cup semi-finals may be used as a test bed for the system.
Abdul Ebrahim, told SABC Sport earlier that his department had budgeted for “extensive training” of match officials and that FIFA-trained VAR instructors are ready to roll.
He said: “We have the personnel … we just need to bring in maybe one or two people from FIFA or CAF to oversee the process.”
🔴🇿🇦 🇪🇸 VAR: “The committee has decided on testing during this season’s #NedbankCup semis. To prepare for full rollout next season” ~ @SAFA_net VAR project leader #DanielBennet. #SABCSport411 | @SportArtsCultur | @AFC_2025 | @OfficialPSL pic.twitter.com/oh49K7sn4h
— Velile Mnyandu 🇿🇦 (@Velile_Mnyandu) November 16, 2025
🇪🇸🇿🇦 Quality Media President Pablo Reyes on their bid as VAR supplier to @SAFA_net .
🔸 How they’ll set up in SA & at match venues.
🔸 Training of the locals…
🔸Job opportunities for young SA professionals. #SABCSport411 | @SportArtsCultur | @officialpsl | @AFC_2025 pic.twitter.com/O0V7SNUGuq— Velile Mnyandu 🇿🇦 (@Velile_Mnyandu) November 17, 2025
But not everyone is convinced that a full rollout will happen quickly. While Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has repeatedly claimed the money is available and the tender process is underway, SAFA maintains that nothing has progressed to the point of full league implementation yet.
As evidence of the financial commitment, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) recently set aside R82 million to support VAR’s implementation.
The funding will be used to train referees, select technology providers, and set up a VAR training centre along with the necessary infrastructure.
Still, according to Ebrahim, a cautious rollout is the most realistic path forward, “It’s possible for the PSL to have VAR … but only in certain matches; we will not be able to implement VAR in the league … a lot of training is still needed.”
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Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
