OPINION: MTN8 final: Let’s hope football, not refereeing, takes centre stage

As a football enthusiast, I find myself less enthusiastic about the upcoming MTN8 final between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns at Moses Mabhida Stadium. It is my sincere hope that this occasion will celebrate South African football rather than being overshadowed by refereeing controversies. Fans across the nation eagerly anticipate this clash between two of the country’s most prominent clubs, with the stadium expected to be packed with supporters ready to witness a high-quality final.

Regrettably, it is a common occurrence that discussions following such matches often revolve around the decisions made by the officials rather than the game itself. We have witnessed this trend time and again. Just last year, the MTN8 final saw several contentious decisions that dominated the post-match debates. The same can be said about the 2024 Nedbank Cup final between the same teams, where the referees’ calls once again took center stage.

Let us not even delve into the 2024 MTN8 final between Pirates and Stellenbosch FC, which saw a controversial restart in stoppage time that resulted in a goal scored from a distance far removed from the spot of the foul. These incidents should not be taken as personal grievances against any club; instead, they serve to highlight the deeply concerning issue of poor officiating in high-stakes games, the repercussions of which linger in the minds of football supporters.

The 1998 Rothmans Cup final between Kaizer Chiefs and Sundowns is still remembered, 28 years later, for reasons that are far from praiseworthy. I have previously expressed the need for Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology, as a solution to this recurring problem. While it is undeniable that football will always have its share of controversial moments, the availability of VAR can only enhance the confidence in the decision-making process.

However, we should not have to rely on VAR to ensure fair and consistent officiating. We should be able to watch a major final and engage in meaningful discussions about tactics, individual performances, and the quality of the football. The most disheartening aspect from a player's standpoint is that football ultimately belongs to them.

They dedicate months of hard work, make sacrifices, and train rigorously for such moments. Coaches are often criticized and even dismissed following unfavorable results in games of this magnitude. Yet, it appears that referees, despite undergoing cooling-off periods, continue to return to the field with little indication that corrective measures are leading to an improvement in the overall standard of refereeing.

Ahead of this MTN8 final, my sole hope is that the players, their tactics, and their performances will take center stage in the conversations surrounding the match. Above all else, I fervently wish for football to emerge victorious.