The Nedbank Cup final is now within reach for Kaizer Chiefs, but their path to Durban has stirred plenty of controversy. South African football’s ongoing struggle without Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology was once again thrown into sharp focus after Chiefs secured a dramatic and debatable 2-1 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns in the semi-final.
Just days after Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie confirmed that the country is actively preparing to introduce VAR into its domestic leagues, Chiefs’ match-winning goal, scored by Ashley du Preez, raised eyebrows across the football community. Television replays suggested Du Preez may have been offside when he netted the decisive strike, but with no VAR in place, the goal stood — propelling Amakhosi into the final.
Chiefs Complete Comeback Amid Officiating Controversy
Sundowns had initially seized control of the match thanks to a well-taken goal from Teboho Mokoena, before Wandile Duba equalised for Chiefs. Late in the second half, Du Preez struck what proved to be the winner, setting up a blockbuster Nedbank Cup final against Orlando Pirates at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium on May 10.
But the debate quickly shifted from the scoreline to the refereeing, with many wondering whether VAR would have ruled the goal out.
South Africa Still Waiting for VAR Implementation
While there is growing pressure for change, VAR remains a future project in South Africa. McKenzie announced that the South African Football Association (SAFA) is now actively working on introducing the technology, in line with FIFA regulations. The process will soon see service providers invited to submit bids for the project — a major step toward modernising South African football’s officiating standards.
Sundowns Coach Voices Frustration Over Offside Goal
After the final whistle, Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso voiced his frustration during the post-match press conference, using his phone to show journalists a still image that appeared to confirm Du Preez was offside.
“This is what happens when you don’t have VAR,” Cardoso said. “The TV images don’t lie. We’ve lost out too many times this season because of refereeing mistakes.”
Chiefs Unbothered by Controversy as Trophy Dream Lives On
Ironically, Chiefs had also complained earlier this season about a questionable offside decision — in a match against the very same Sundowns — which had gone against them. This time, however, the decision fell in their favour, and they certainly won’t be complaining.
The win also brings relief for head coach Nasreddine Nabi, who notched his first victory over Sundowns at the fourth attempt and now has the chance to lead Chiefs to their first major trophy in a decade.
If VAR Was in Place, Would the Outcome Have Changed?
While the debate over the offside call will continue, Kaizer Chiefs will be too focused on preparing for the final against their Soweto rivals to dwell on what could have been. Whether or not VAR would have altered the result is now a question for the history books — the scoreboard reads 2-1, and that’s all that matters.
Related article: Kaizer Chiefs Edge Sundowns in Thriller, One Step from Ending Trophy Drought
