Gayton McKenzie Confirms VAR Rollout in South African Football with R20 Million Treasury Backing
Pretoria, Gauteng – Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has confirmed that work is underway to bring Video Assistant Referee technology to South African football, backed by an initial R20 million from Treasury this financial year.
Speaking at a media briefing in Pretoria on Tuesday, the Minister also announced performance bonuses for national sports teams, with Bafana Bafana set to receive the biggest payout of R5 million ahead of major tournaments. This move aims to boost morale among players while addressing long-standing issues like refereeing controversies and funding gaps in local sport.
As South Africa gears up for the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco from December 2025 to January 2026 and the FIFA World Cup in North America next year, McKenzie called on fans and businesses to rally behind the teams for a shot at glory.
The announcements come amid efforts to modernise football in the country, where fans have often voiced frustration over disputed decisions in matches. With VAR already in use at global events like the World Cup, its rollout here is seen as a step towards fairer play and international standards. McKenzie’s briefing highlighted both immediate rewards for athletes and long-term investments in the game, reflecting a push to revive national pride in sport after years of mixed results.
Bonuses for National Teams to Inspire Peak Performance
McKenzie revealed a total bonus pot worth R8.5 million for various national sides, recognising their hard work and recent successes. Bafana Bafana, who qualified for AFCON with a strong showing, will pocket R5 million to prepare for the continental showdown and the World Cup. “As we look ahead to the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco this December and January, and the World Cup next year in the United States, Mexico and Canada, the message from me as Minister is simple: let’s stand behind our team,” he said.
Other teams are also in line for rewards: Banyana Banyana, the women’s national side, will get R1 million for their efforts in building women’s football. The under-20 men’s team, Amajita, and the women’s Proteas cricket team will each receive R1 million. The under-17 boys, Amajimbos, currently at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar, are set for R500,000. These payouts aim to motivate players amid tough competition, with McKenzie noting the teams’ improvements since their last AFCON near-miss.
The Minister stressed the need for more support beyond government funds. “But we must also be honest – part of the problem is inadequate staffing and support. I therefore call on corporate South Africa and all potential sponsors to step up. We need you to stand with Bafana Bafana and all our national teams. The players have done their part and now let’s do ours,” he urged. He encouraged fans to show solidarity by wearing official jerseys every Friday, building excitement for what could be a trophy-winning run.
VAR Implementation: A Game-Changer for Fair Play
Turning to refereeing, McKenzie outlined plans for VAR, a system that lets officials review key moments like goals, penalties, and red cards using video replays. “This is a complex and ambitious project, but it is essential. VAR is not just about correcting referee errors – it’s about protecting the integrity of our game, restoring trust, and ensuring that South African football meets global standards,” he explained.
Treasury has greenlit over R20 million for this year to kick off the rollout, with a phased approach to make it affordable and sustainable. The total cost could reach around R80 million, plus R70,000 per match for operations, covering equipment, training, and tech. South Africans can expect to see VAR in action during tests at big games soon, with full implementation targeted for major leagues like the Premier Soccer League.
The South African Football Association hasormed a VAR project team, headed by former referee Daniel Bennett, alongside experts Victor Gomes, Jerome Damon, and SAFA’s head of referees Abdul Ebrahim. This group is collaborating with FIFA and the International Football Association Board to meet international rules. “As per our initial meeting with Bennett, the ministry is overseeing and controlling all initial project funding until the system is fully established and stable. Strict financial controls are in place, with at least three independent signatories to authorise any transactions related to the rollout,” McKenzie added.
SAFA must submit a detailed budget for setup and infrastructure by 31 March 2026, the end of the financial year. The Minister highlighted partnerships with the Confederation of African Football and FIFA to position South Africa as a leader in VAR adoption on the continent. This follows years of calls from fans and clubs for better officiating, especially after controversial calls in high-stakes matches.
Addressing Broader Challenges in South African Sport
McKenzie touched on recent issues, like the mix-up over Bafana Bafana’s points deduction in World Cup qualifiers, which has been resolved without penalties. He cleared the team manager of blame, pinning it on administrative oversights, and vowed to prevent future slips through better support.
The Minister’s vision includes not just football but all sports, with bonuses extending to cricket and youth teams. By tying rewards to performance, the government hopes to inspire excellence and attract more private backing. As AFCON looms, McKenzie is optimistic: “We should push them to lift that Africa Cup of Nations trophy in January. We came so close last time, and this team has only improved since then – so we have reason to expect greatness from them, and to believe.”
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