AmaZulu FC president Sandile Zungu has pledged to roll out Video Assistant Referee technology in the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season if he wins the SAFA presidency.

AmaZulu FC president Sandile Zungu has pledged to roll out Video Assistant Referee technology in the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season if he wins the SAFA presidency. Speaking to KickOff, Zungu said he will set a clear goal to ensure the PSL is fully prepared for VAR by the start of the season or, at the latest, mid-season.

What is Zungu promising?

Zungu’s promise centers on fast-tracking VAR implementation across the PSL. He stressed that technology already exists but infrastructure and personnel training are the real bottlenecks. “We must ensure we have sufficiently trained referees and all necessary resources allocated for VAR,” Zungu told KickOff.

He added that dedicated funding for referee training will be his top focus if he leads SAFA. The absence of VAR has been an ongoing issue, with Zungu pointing to a midweek AmaZulu FC match against Magesi as a case in point.

Why VAR matters for AmaZulu FC

In that midweek game, AmaZulu FC striker Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya was wrongly awarded a red card. The decision went against AmaZulu FC, and Ngwenya received a second yellow before being sent off. The match ended in a draw.

“Without VAR, that mistake cost us,” Zungu said. “Lack of VAR undermines player effort and morale, discouraging trained athletes who work hard on the field.”

He also noted that refereeing standards improved last season compared to the previous year, with referees and match officials demonstrating better conduct in most games.

How will Zungu deliver VAR?

Zungu plans to establish dedicated funding for referee training to ensure VAR readiness. He insists that securing resources for training will be his priority if elected SAFA president. “Technology exists, but infrastructure and personnel training need to be ready,” he said.

He added that VAR will be introduced at the start of the season or, at the latest, mid-season. Zungu is running against Danny Jordaan for the SAFA presidency, with the elections looming.

What comes next?

Zungu’s VAR promise comes as SAFA faces pressure to modernize officiating in South African football. If elected, he aims to ensure the PSL is fully prepared for VAR by the start of the 2026/27 season. The focus will be on referee training and infrastructure to avoid repeat officiating errors like the one Ngwenya faced.