Turning the Tide – Why VAR Is a Step Forward for Zimbabwean Football

By Chiyedzo Josiah Dimbo

Zimbabweans are having a field day mocking the Zimbabwe Football Association’s (ZIFA) announcement that it intends to introduce Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in local football. From humorous jabs on social media to scathing critiques about misplaced priorities, the backlash has been swift and loud. Yet amid the laughter and skepticism, lies a bold opportunity to reimagine and reshape the standards of Zimbabwean football officiating.

Let us change the narrative.

A Nation’s Reaction – Understandable, But Not the Whole Picture

The criticism is not without merit. Many Zimbabweans, such as @Mricho Cool Cat BW and @Waynne Maqhawe Ncube, argue that basic infrastructure should take precedence. Their concern is valid: our stadiums are aging, many lack proper lighting, and in some cases, even the availability of clean seating and functional restrooms is not guaranteed. Some matches are played without proper broadcasting facilities, and electricity outages are not uncommon. These are real challenges that must be addressed.

But dismissing VAR outright because of these challenges is a missed opportunity. VAR should not be seen as a distraction, but as a statement of intent.

The Case for VAR – Accuracy, Integrity, and Modernization

The primary goal of VAR is to support referees in making more accurate decisions, particularly in game-changing moments such as goals, penalties, red cards, and cases of mistaken identity. In a league where allegations of biased officiating or blatant errors are not rare, the introduction of VAR could usher in a new era of fairness and accountability.

Football is not just about infrastructure—it’s about the experience on the pitch. Correct decisions enhance that experience. VAR, if implemented even in a phased, resource-conscious way, can improve the quality and credibility of our domestic football.

It’s Not Either/Or – It’s Both

This is not a question of choosing between VAR and fixing stadiums. Both can and should happen in parallel. Modernizing our football must be holistic. Just as FIFA and CAF are integrating VAR into continental and international matches, Zimbabwe too must prepare its officials to remain relevant on that stage. In fact, VAR training for COSAFA referees—including Zimbabwean officials—is already underway. This is not a vanity project; it is a necessary step for our referees to qualify for elite CAF and FIFA assignments.

COSAFA Referees’ Manager Felix Tangawarima recently revealed that regional football bodies, ZIFA included, are set to undergo VAR training. This is not just about Zimbabwe catching up; it’s about Zimbabwe staying in the game.

Building Capacity – One Step at a Time

Implementing VAR in Zimbabwe will not happen overnight. It doesn’t need to be rolled out in every stadium from day one. Pilot programs in better-equipped stadiums can allow a gradual, sustainable introduction. This step-by-step approach allows ZIFA to learn, adjust, and grow—while simultaneously lobbying for investment in broader infrastructure upgrades.

Let’s remember that transformation starts somewhere. If we waited for perfect conditions, we’d never move forward. What matters is that we begin—with vision, intention, and a plan.

Changing the Narrative

Rather than mocking ZIFA’s VAR aspirations, we should be asking: *How can we make this work?* VAR isn’t the problem. The real issue is how we integrate modern systems into an existing environment with challenges. By embracing VAR as part of a broader development strategy, Zimbabwean football can begin to shift from reactionary to visionary.

In the end, the laughter will fade. What will remain is whether we seized this chance to raise our standards or let skepticism keep us stuck.

VAR represents more than just a technology—it symbolizes Zimbabwe’s willingness to evolve. And that, in itself, is a goal worth pursuing.