The evolution of football is moving faster than the people tasked with officiating it. Following a 1-0 defeat to Kaizer Chiefs on Tuesday night, Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mnqithi highlighted a growing gap between athletic intensity and refereeing accuracy.
A Dynamic Shift in Play
Mnqithi argues that the modern game has become too dynamic. According to a report by soccerladuma.co.za, the coach believes the explosive nature of today’s players makes it nearly impossible for officials to track every movement.
Referees are often expected to be in perfect positions. However, Mnqithi suggests that even coaches rely on video footage to understand complex plays. If professionals with replay access struggle, expecting live officials to be flawless is unrealistic.
High Stakes and Job Security
The South African league is often cited as the biggest in Africa. With that title comes significant financial pressure. Mnqithi pointed out that teams are competing for R20 million, not small change.
The consequences of officiating errors are severe:
- Coaches can lose their jobs over poor results.
- Players are often unfairly penalised for mistakes they didn’t commit.
- Officials face constant public criticism for human limitations.
The Case for VAR
The solution, in Mnqithi’s view, is the immediate implementation of VAR. Whether funded by the government or the league itself, he believes the technology is essential to protect the integrity of the sport.
As teams train for higher intensity and speed, the “human eye” alone may no longer be enough to ensure fairness in a multi-million rand industry.
Stay updated with the latest league developments on our news page.