Orlando Pirates won their third consecutive MTN8 title on Saturday evening by defeating Stellenbosch 3-1 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. This makes them the first team to ever win the MTN8 title three years in a row.
The game was tied 1-1 for most of the match, but things changed in the final minutes. Orlando Pirates took a quick free-kick, which led to a goal by striker Tshegofatso Mabasa.
However, Stellenbosch coach, Steve Barker, felt the free-kick was taken in the wrong spot and believed that VAR (Video Assistant Referee) could have corrected the mistake.
“I’m not sure why they didn’t use VAR for this final. There were talks about it, but they didn’t implement it,” Barker said.
“A lot of big decisions are going the wrong way, and I believe VAR could help. Referees are human, and mistakes happen. In a fast-paced moment, like the 90th minute of a final, it can be difficult for them to get it right.”
According to Barker, the goal could have been retaken if VAR had shown that the free-kick wasn’t taken in the correct position.
The debate about VAR continues, and many hope to see it soon in South African football to help with these crucial decisions.