Mamelodi Sundowns co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi says although there is need for VAR, people should accept that everybody makes mistakes.
This is coming after the MTN8 clash between Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs at Lucas Moripe Stadium last Saturday particularly in the penalty shootout when Masandawana were not given a goal that had crossed the line before Amakhosi goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune got his hands to it.
The incident led to a protest by the Sundowns bench, which led to the Sundowns goalkeeper coach Wendel Robinson been sent off.
It sparked many debates and opinions on social media, with many claiming the presence of VAR would have prevented such an incident from happening. Mngqithi shares this thought but also admits that mistakes are human and only part of football at the end of the day.
“The need for Var is there. It makes for a bit of a difference, but at times they make a mistake with VAR. But in this case, Zakhele (Siwela) was there, so what is the use of bringing the linesman if he is not going to be able to tell the referee it’s a goal,” Mngqithi told the media.
“The linesman was five or six metres away from the situation, unlike when he is on the touchline. It’s one of those situations I don’t want to speak about because I also believe we had a penalty call on that side during the second half, but we have to accept that everybody makes mistakes. Let’s not dwell too much on it.”
There were more controversial moments during the shootout, as replays showed that Sundowns goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene was off his line for Amakhosi’s spot-kicks, but no retakes were ordered.
Meanwhile, Sundowns will play Golden Arrows in the semi-final of the competition.