Miguel Cardoso Makes Latest Request As Fight Against Poor Premier Soccer League Refereeing Continues

• Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso again pushed for VAR in the PSL, citing a disallowed goal in the MTN8 semi-final against Golden Arrows
• Cardoso received backing from Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie, who publicly agreed that video technology should be introduced in South African football
• Sundowns face newly-promoted Milford FC at Loftus Versfeld on Wednesday, coming off a dramatic MTN8 final booking against Orlando Pirates

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has once again called for the introduction of video assistant referee (VAR) technology in the PSL, arguing that the system would safeguard referees and reduce the number of incorrect decisions affecting matches.

Cardoso made the remarks on Tuesday ahead of Sundowns' Betway Premiership fixture against newly-promoted Milford FC at Loftus Versfeld in Tshwane on Wednesday evening, with officiating standards once again drawing scrutiny in the opening weeks of the new season.

**Cardoso Cites Minister McKenzie's Support**

The Portuguese coach, 54, pointed to Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie as a notable ally in the campaign for video technology. "Mistakes can happen to anyone, but Minister McKenzie finally agrees with me that VAR should correct those mistakes," Cardoso said.

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He also acknowledged that video technology would not only benefit his side, conceding that it could have worked against Sundowns at times during the current campaign. "Look, there were moments already this season that VAR would have probably penalised myself and my team," he said. "I remember there was an unfortunate action from my player that should have been given a red card, but there were many other opponents that should have been red cards if you remember the Polokwane City match."

Cardoso's calls come after a controversial moment in Sundowns' MTN8 semi-final second leg against Golden Arrows, in which Khulumani Ndamane had a goal disallowed for handball in what has been widely regarded as an incorrect ruling. Sundowns still advanced, recovering from a 1-0 first-leg deficit to win the return fixture 3-2 and secure a place in the MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates.

**'We Need to Protect Them'**

Despite his reputation as one of the more vocal critics of match officials in South African football, Cardoso stressed that his position is about supporting referees rather than attacking them.

"Let's not judge the people who have a whistle in their hands because sometimes we also need to protect them," he said. "Let's all create conditions so that we all can work as best as possible in the best interest of South African football."

Milford FC, who suffered a defeat to Orlando Pirates on the opening day of the season, have since steadied themselves with two wins and a draw from their subsequent three matches ahead of Wednesday's game.

Source: Briefly News