Zimbabwe football set to introduce VAR, Chibuku Super Cup final targeted for historic debut
ZIFA has started the process of introducing Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology to Zimbabwean football.
The first VAR-assisted match is scheduled for 16 November, when the Chibuku Super Cup final is expected to become the first domestic fixture in Zimbabwe to use the technology.
VAR will also be deployed from the semi-final stage of the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup, marking another major step in the country’s plans to modernise match officiating.
According to ZBC, a FIFA-led training programme will run from 25 October to 16 November, with referees and other officials being prepared to operate the system.
The training will involve FIFA experts, with the eventual certification of Zimbabwean officials dependent on them meeting the required standards.
CAF Referees Manager Felix Tangawarima said FIFA would determine whether the officials were ready to use the technology in competitive matches.
“We have the best experts coming through from FIFA. All the training is going to be done by FIFA and, when they are satisfied, they are the ones that will certify the officials,” Tangawarima said.
He cautioned that the planned November launch was not guaranteed if the officials did not reach the required level.
“If the officials are not ready, we might miss the 16th of November, because we are going to be going step by step using all the FIFA guidelines,” he said.
For ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi, the introduction of VAR presents an opportunity to improve the way Zimbabwe’s referees are developed and supported.
He pointed to instances where officials have faced disciplinary action over decisions that fell short of the required standards, arguing that greater investment in their development is needed.
“We are happy to do this. It is not just about ticking boxes, but we are bringing sanity to the local game. We have seen referees being suspended because of decisions not consistent with their training, but not that they are bad. Our officials need to be capacitated and supported to grow the game,” Magwizi said. *_-iHarare_*
