PSL Refereeing Shows Improvement Early in 2025/26 Season
Two months into the 2025/26 PSL season, refereeing has shown marked improvement, with debates largely centred around the introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR), according to SAFA Head of Referees Abdul Ebrahim.
Compared to last season, when officiating errors were common talking points, the current campaign has seen only minor controversies. After five rounds of league matches and with the MTN8 final approaching, no major referee mistakes have dominated headlines.
Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi recently called for VAR following a perceived missed penalty in a defeat to Kaizer Chiefs. He also referenced a prior incident involving Mamelodi Sundowns, where a penalty appeared to be awarded incorrectly against Stellenbosch FC just before the FIFA break. Aside from that, high-profile matches, including Sundowns versus Chiefs, have proceeded without referees drawing negative attention.
Ebrahim stressed that VAR could further enhance officiating quality. “Referees are always going to be criticized whether they make the right decisions or what people assume are incorrect decisions. If I award a free-kick to your team, you’ll be happy. If I award a free-kick to the other team, you’re not going to be happy,” he told KickOff.com.
He added that pre-season preparation has helped referees start the campaign on a strong note. “We just hope what the referees have gone through during their pre-season is what they carry into the field, and we also hope that whatever errors there are are kept to a minimum. We’ve enjoyed the start of the season. It has been a very good one and we hope it continues as long as possible, until the end of the season.”
The Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, led by Minister Gayton McKenzie, has committed R82 million for the rollout of VAR in South Africa’s top-flight league. This funding aims to further improve officiating standards and reduce controversies in the PSL.
