The fallout from the Soweto Derby has moved from the pitch to the halls of Parliament. Following Orlando Pirates’ 3–0 dismantling of Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has officially put a timeline on the most anticipated technological upgrade in Mzansi football: VAR (Video Assistant Referee).
Responding to a massive outcry from the Amakhosi faithful and football neutrals alike, the Minister took to social media to confirm that the wait for clarity is almost over.
The Flashpoint: Did Chiefs Get Robbed?
The 3–0 scoreline tells one story, but a controversial moment just before halftime has ignited the VAR debate.
- The Incident: Kaizer Chiefs striker Flávio Silva went down in the box after a challenge from Pirates’ Deon Hotto.
- The Decision: The referee waved away the penalty appeal, sparking fury on the Chiefs bench and in the stands.
- The Replay: Slow-motion footage suggested Hotto may have touched the ball, but the contact with Silva was significant enough to warrant a second look—a look that only VAR could provide.
The Minister’s Mandate: 7 Days to Go
Amidst the social media storm, Minister McKenzie offered a glimmer of hope for those tired of officiating blunders:
“Congratulations Orlando Pirates, congratulations to PSL and supporters of both clubs. VAR announcement shall be made within 7 days,“ McKenzie posted on Sunday.
While the Minister previously hinted at an April 2025 rollout, financial constraints and the search for high-level sponsorship caused delays. This latest “7-day” ultimatum suggests that a deal—or a concrete roadmap—is finally on the table.
Fan Reaction: Hope vs. Skepticism
The announcement has split the South African football community down the middle:
- The Skeptics: Some fans, like user @ZuluNation_Ngid, expressed fatigue over political promises: “I now believe all politicians are liars… couldn’t you wait for better assessments before speaking?”
- The Believers: Others argue that the Derby result could have been vastly different with technology. @joyLethabo8 noted: “VAR would have changed a lot yesterday.”
- The Pirates Defensiveness: Some Bucs fans questioned the timing, suggesting the Minister was undermining their dominant win by focusing on the refereeing.
