Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi has renewed calls for the urgent introduction of VAR in the Premier Soccer League, arguing that the modern game has become too fast for match officials to manage without technological support.
Mngqithi was left aggrieved by the decision to allow Aden McCarthy’s winning goal in Arrows’ 1–0 defeat to Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium, insisting the defender was offside in the build-up. While stopping short of directly blaming the referees, the Arrows coach stressed that the stakes in the league demand greater accuracy.
He explained that although McCarthy was onside initially, he believed the player moved into an offside position when the ball later came off Flavio da Silva, making the goal illegal in his view. Mngqithi said VAR is now essential, noting that clubs are competing for significant prize money and that the PSL should match the standards of leading leagues on the continent.
The Abafana Bes’thende mentor added that even coaches struggle to spot such incidents without replays, making it unrealistic to expect referees to catch every detail in an increasingly high-tempo game.
Arrows’ situation was compounded by the result, which marked their fourth consecutive league defeat. When asked where improvements were needed to halt the slide, a frustrated Mngqithi offered no clear answers, admitting the team is searching for solutions.