Kaizer Chiefs Coach Kaze Fires Back at Mngqithi’s Offside Claims about Amakhosi

Kaizer Chiefs co-head coach Cedric Kaze has hit back at Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi following fiery claims that his side’s 1-0 Premier Soccer League win was decided by an offside goal. Chiefs secured the narrow victory at FNB Stadium in their first match back after the Africa Cup of Nations break, but questions over officiating have stirred fresh controversy.

Arrows boss Mngqithi was clearly unhappy after the match, arguing that Aiden McCarthy’s winning goal should have been ruled out for offside. According to him, the play became offside after a second touch on the ball, something he believes the referee and assistants missed. He used the moment to renew calls for the Premier Soccer League to introduce video assistant referee (VAR) technology, saying the dynamic nature of modern football makes it too hard for officials to track every movement accurately. Mngqithi stressed that high-stakes league games deserve better support for referees, especially as mistakes can affect careers and club finances.

In response, Chiefs’ co-coach Kaze did not dismiss the criticism but agreed that VAR would improve officiating in the league. He said such technology would help referees make more objective decisions and is something he supports fully. Kaze also took a shot at critics who have questioned his role and coaching credentials, insisting that he and his coaching partner are qualified and trusted by the team’s management and players. He confidently predicted that doubters would be proven wrong by the end of the season and might have to apologise for their scepticism.

The result keeps Chiefs well-placed in the title race, sitting third on the PSL table, close behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns and rivals Orlando Pirates — but the debate over officiating and VAR is likely to continue dominating discussions in South African football.