Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture Gayton McKenzie says he’ll have the last laugh regarding Video Assistance Referee (VAR) in South Africa.

It’s been four months since McKenzie made promises that he’d ensure the implementation of VAR in SA, specifically in the Premier Soccer League (PSL).

At the time, McKenzie had met the South African Football Association (SAFA) National Executive Committee (NEC) in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape.

Since then, football publications have estimated the costs of VAR to be in the region of R70 million – R80 million annually.

Fast forward to February 2025, and there’s now very little talk of VAR, if any.

However, McKenzie has come out, through the Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh Podcast, to make assurances once again that VAR remains a priority.

“I said I’m bringing VAR, and everybody says I’m lying,” said McKenzie during the interview.

“I can put a date; April, we are purchasing VAR. End of April. I’m meeting the (Spanish) La Liga people; they want to assist in the next three weeks. They want to assist with VAR. I’m meeting the people of the English Premier League. They want to assist. I’m going to both places. I’m going to meet them and see how far they want to assist,” he added.

It’s widely believed that SAFA and the PSL are on the same page regarding the implementation of VAR. However, the costs have proved to be a stumbling block, but calls for VAR are intensified because of questionable refereeing decisions week in and week out.

Through government’s financial intervention, McKenzie’s view is that VAR is possible in the PSL sooner rather than later.