Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has renewed his call for VAR to be introduced in the Premiership, arguing that the technology could help referees deal with dangerous challenges and protect players from serious injuries.
Cardoso raised the issue ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium, with Sundowns potentially missing Teboho Mokoena after the midfielder was injured by a heavy challenge during their MTN8 quarter-final against Polokwane City.
Mokoena was absent from Sundowns’ 3-2 league victory over TS Galaxy on Tuesday and Cardoso is hoping the Bafana Bafana midfielder will recover in time for the weekend fixture.
“I hope Teboho can come back to the football pitch very quickly. I hope South Africa doesn’t lose players,” Cardoso said.
The Portuguese coach’s concerns come after Orlando Pirates midfielder Sihle Nduli was also injured following a dangerous tackle against AmaZulu.
Cardoso believes the absence of VAR leaves officials without an important tool when incidents occur outside their immediate view.
READ: TS Galaxy coach Bernard Parker Hails Zulu and Letsoalo after Mamelodi Sundowns battle
“The referees are not helped if they don’t have VAR,” he said. “When I saw the tackle on Mokoena, I said to the fourth referee that it’s a red card.
“He said that if he had VAR, he would be able to immediately correct the action. It’s a tough job for coaches, players and referees when you don’t have the capacity to use an instrument that can be so powerful and helpful.”
The previous league meeting between Chiefs and Sundowns was also marked by physical challenges, with Mduduzi Shabalala and Keanu Cupido both suffering injuries.
For Cardoso, the incidents underline the need for stronger protection of players, particularly those representing South Africa internationally.
“We have to protect our players,” he said. “We cannot come from the World Cup and make Teboho the national hero, then allow such aggressive action on him without even being penalised.”
Chiefs and Sundowns drew both league meetings last season, setting the stage for another closely contested encounter on Saturday.