South African Soccer legend Benni McCarthy is back in the county and is said there are plans for him to coach AmaZulu. These new developments follow him as he is set to rejoin SuperSport TV for UEFA Champions League matches. The AmaZulu coaching opportunity was recently reported by SABC Sport. McCarty is a top priority to be considered due to his recently parting ways with Pablo Frank Martin.
The relationship between AmaZulu and McCarthy isn’t at its best but the publication reports that the Durban-based side is ready to iron out the differences. A few months after McCarthy had left, AmaZulu appointed Romain Folz, and Sandile Zungu is on record to say Folz was a better coach for them than the Bafana Bafana legend. That despite the retired striker guiding AmaZulu to a second-place finish and CAF Champions League qualification. Interestingly, Folz never lasted as head coach and left AmaZulu having occupied a different position. Now, Folz is at Mamelodi Sundowns as an assistant to Manqoba Mngqithi, and McCarthy is heavily linked with AmaZulu. Furthermore, several coaches, including Stuart Baxter, Morena Ramoreboli, Bradley Darnell and Muhsin Ertugral could be the options.
McCarty arrived in South Africa after having coached Britain’s Manchester United. His history with the team ended on a sour note. Roman Folz likewise had a somewhat negative relationship with AmaZulu. However, the Durban based soccer team seems more than eager to patch things up with McCarthy. So new opportunities may await. McCarty started his career as a brilliant professional soccer player and became a tough coach after he retired. However, despite his impressive qualifications and experience McCarty faces tough and resilient opposition from the other contenders for the job of coaching Amazulu. Soccer management selection is ruthless just like any other sport. Of course, since Folz has now found himself in a demoted position as assistant coach to Mamelodi Sundowns it goes to show that professionalism and ruthless go hand in hand in sports management.
Meanwhile Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has among other individuals in sports management and leadership been calling for the introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) to help Referees on the Football field.
With the score level at 1-1, Iqraam Rayners scored to put Sundowns 2-1 up. But replays after show that Lucas Ribeiro was miles offside in the lead up, and the referee’s assistant was in the perfect place to pick it up. All football loving fans know that the time for VAR has arrived in SA football. We need VAR & we need it now, those meetings start now because we are not a 10th world country. I shall report back soonest after meeting SAFA & the PSL this week. — Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) September 29, 2024
And later in the game, a goal that looked like a stoppage time equaliser by Chiefs’ Ignacio Miguel was correctly chalked off. However, it was initially thought to be another bad decision by the Chiefs faithful, and missiles were launched at the officials after the game.
Both decisions have led to more calls for the introduction of VAR, and on Sunday, sports minister McKenzie vowed to get it sorted out. “All football loving fans know that the time for VAR has arrived in SA football,” McKenzie wrote on his page on X.
VAR refers to Video Assistance Referee. McKenzie may not be the brightest spark in the universe but on VAR he is right. This VAR is a match official who assists the referee by reviewing decisions using video footage and providing advice to the referee based on those reviews. The VAR functions as a communications official and deputy to the referee. The VAR is able to communicate electronically with the referee through his cell phone or a walkie talkie. The VAR alerts the referee as to any inconsistencies in the match and ensures the match is conducted fairly and efficiently. The VAR also plays a kea role in preventing the referee from making any mistakes in ensuring the rules of the match are followed. This keeps the soccer fans satisfied with the conduct of the match and protects the reputation of the soccer referees.
Soccer commentators have little to complain about. There is also an Assistant Video Assistant Referee who assists the VAR in operating room. There are actually three of these officials. They are charged with monitoring different parts of the game. There main responsibilities are charged with reviewing, and are in consistent communication with the VAR about possible situations that might warrant further review. Very soon there may be reforms to introduce Artificial Intelligence (AI) to the management and conduct of professional soccer matches.
Article written by:
Yacoob Cassim
Journalist at Radio Al Ansaar
