The CAF Champions League Semi-finals first leg takes place on Saturday, and Kaizer Chiefs are away to Wydad Casablanca at the Stade Mohammed V. Many are worried, for the North Africans are known for being a force at home with officiating at certain times questionable, and notoriously in their favour.
Kaizer Chiefs are, however, inspired by the knowledge that VAR would be used in this match, and Daniel Cardoso hopes that this technology will in no small measure eliminate cheating in any form or guise.
Daniel went on to stress that just like its use at the World Cup, and currently at the Euros was successful, he hopes the same effect is enjoyed in Africa.
“I am very excited that the VAR comes into play now. I know that in Africa there is quite a bit of cheating,” Cardoso said in his pre-match media address.
“It is seen on tv and all of that, so hopefully the VAR can help both sides. We have seen it in Euros now, it has come into play quite a bit just like it did in the past World Cup.
“You see it all over the world, so it is a good initiative. It shows that teams cannot cheat blatantly, and the referees can’t get paid on the side and all of that.”
Morocco is the first African country to use VAR, applying the technology in the Botola Pro League. Wydad boasts a 13 game unbeaten run in all competitions and leads the standings by three points.
Much as VAR is seen as a solution to vast problems bedeviling the game in Africa, it is not without its problems. Upon its introduction to the continent two years ago it caused troubles when Wydad infamously abandoned their Champions League final against Esperance. Daniel, however, hopes nothing of such will occur.
Worth noting is the fact that in the two games that Chiefs have played against Wydad this term, they have had three players sent off. Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Daniel Akpeyi and Samir Nurkovic were the players who have had to walk early.
“I think for us to avoid any red cards, we just have to be more disciplined at the back and the whole team. We cannot go into challenges recklessly,” Cardoso added.
“I know that the first red card that Daniel Akpeyi got shouldn’t have been a red card, because I thought it was a bit of a harsh decision on us, but then you know when you are playing in Africa anything can happen.
“The second red card, I think it shouldn’t have been, but it is what it is and we have managed to get the results and we will just have to hold on.”
Senegalese referee Maguette Ndiaye will be at the centre of officiating, while Gambian Bakary Papa Gassama will be in charge of video technology.