Returning PSL General Manager Ace Ngcobo Targets VAR Implementation

• The South African football fraternity is chafing for the introduction of the video assistant referee
• Continuous poor refereeing in the professional leagues is the biggest cause of this demand
• Respected former FIFA referee Andile 'Ace' Ngcobo says that VAR will be prioritised by the Premier Soccer League and SAFA

It is fitting that Andile 'Ace' Ngcobo's other nickname is 'VAR'.

The legendary former FIFA referee earned this nickname for his contribution on local television when reviewing refereeing flashpoints from the previous week's matches.

He is now back in the Premier Soccer League as its general manager, which could be significant when it comes to the video assistant referee.

SowetanLIVE reported that the league, the South African Football Association and the custodian of referees, will work hard to ensure the eventual implementation of the much-needed system in the country.

Thabo Rakhale opens up about unexplained Orlando Pirates exit

Football

Speaking on Marawa Sports Worldwide, 'VAR' said:

“Of course, the league is going for VAR and they want to have it and know that the newly appointed chairperson of the national referees committee, recently retired referee Victor Gomes, he wants us to have it.

"FIFA will not allow us to have VAR until the referees have gone into the required training. So what we can commit to is that from the side of the league we are ready and willing to assist SAFA."

Ngcobo's return opens old wounds

Andile 'Ace' Ngcobo is something of a prodigal son when it comes to the Premier Soccer League.

The revered former referee has returned to the organisation after departing 14 years ago, in rather controversial circumstances. IOL reported that Ngcobo, who was the league's general manager at the time, handed in his resignation following an inconclusive polygraph test he had taken, in connection with the then-suspended referee, Jonas Nhlapo.

Two stars almost come to blows to light up another dull Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates Soweto Derby

Football

The latter had been the subject of a match-fixing investigation after Ngcobo accused him of having allegedly taken a bribe from someone at Orlando Pirates.

Ngcobo speaks out on showboating

As the uproar over the necessity of Orlando Pirates' junior team's indulgence in showboating continues, a man of the football law has had his say.

Ngcobo gave his take on how 'kasi flava' is governed within the rules of the game as per FIFA, Sports Brief previously reported.

He said that as far as he was concerned, nothing in the laws of the game prohibited expressing oneself ridiculously with the ball.