The beautiful game in Kenya is at a crossroads. On one hand, we have the pulsating, chaotic energy of a “Mashemeji Derby,” where a Gor Mahia player goes down in a penalty box that could be a Shakespearean drama or a well-rehearsed circus act, depending on your allegiance. The referee hesitates, the crowd roars, and “mwizi wewe” which loosely translates to ‘you thief’ fills the air. On the other hand, there’s the promise of cool, calculated justice – courtesy of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
VAR isn’t some robotic overlord taking over the game. It’s more like a hawk-eyed assistant with a birds-eye view, ready to swoop in and ensure that those last-minute penalties, offside goals, and controversial red cards are decided fairly. Remember the heart-stopping moments at the recent AFCON? VAR smoothed out the wrinkles, ensuring that the beautiful game wasn’t marred by questionable calls.
Here’s why Kenyan football needs VAR to go from dramatic brawls to a smooth VAR-nished victory:
Taking the Howlers Out of the Game:
Let’s face it, referees are human, and even the best ones can have off days. A missed offside trap, a phantom foul – these can make the difference between a team’s glorious victory and a crushing defeat. VAR acts as a safety net, catching those glaring errors that leave fans fuming and analysts scratching their heads. It’s not about replacing referees, but about giving them that extra set of eyes to make those crucial calls with confidence.
Raising the Bar for Kenyan Football:
Kenyan football is brimming with talent, and our players deserve a fair shot at glory. VAR evens the playing field, ensuring that dodgy decisions don’t derail a team’s well-deserved win. Knowing that controversial calls will be reviewed discourages players from playacting and theatrics, leading to a cleaner, more enjoyable game for everyone – fans, players, and yes, even the referees.
Supercharging the Fan Experience:
Kenyan football fans are a passionate bunch. They bleed their team’s colors and roar with every goal. But there’s nothing quite like the sinking feeling of an unfair decision swaying the outcome. VAR can be a game-changer for fans, offering the assurance that the beautiful game is being played fairly. Imagine the unbridled joy of a legitimate winning goal, or the camaraderie of accepting a fair defeat – VAR paves the way for a more positive and united fan experience.
Keeping Up with the Joneses (or Rather, the Messis):
The world of football is a fast-paced one, and Kenya needs to stay in the game. VAR is no longer a novelty; it’s become the norm in major leagues and international tournaments. Embracing VAR shows that Kenya is serious about taking its football to the next level, demonstrating a commitment to modern practices and aligning itself with global trends.
AFCON 2027: A Golden Opportunity:
Kenya has its sights set on AFCON 2027, and VAR can be the secret weapon in our arsenal. Implementing VAR now allows our teams to acclimatize to the technology, ensuring they’re comfortable and confident when facing international competition. It’s like training with a cheat sheet – they’ll know exactly what to expect from the officiating and can strategize accordingly.
Sure, some might argue that VAR disrupts the flow of the game or undermines the referee’s authority. But a few extra seconds of suspense are a small price to pay for a fair and accurate decision. VAR isn’t here to steal the magic of Kenyan football; it’s here to enhance it. It’s time to embrace the future and usher in a new era of Kenyan football – one where “shauri yako” is replaced by the roar of the crowd celebrating a well-deserved victory, a victory secured by the beautiful game played beautifully, with a little help from VAR.
