HARARE — Zimbabwean football is set to use Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology for the first time during the Chibuku Super Cup final on November 28, as ZIFA moves ahead with a US$3.2 million plan to introduce the system in the Premier Soccer League next season.
The government has welcomed the initiative, which is being funded by Sakunda Holdings, as local referees begin specialised training under FIFA instructors ahead of the rollout.
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) launched the training programme in Harare on Tuesday, with officials expected to undergo four phases of instruction before November 16.
The programme will cover theoretical lessons, simulation exercises, practical match scenarios and full-match assessments as part of the certification process.
The technology will be tested during the Chibuku Super Cup final at Chahwanda Stadium on November 28, ahead of its planned introduction in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League next season.
Speaking at the opening of the training programme, Sports and Recreation Commission director of finance, human resources and administration Brian Hodza praised ZIFA for taking steps to modernise football officiating.
“Ultimately, you know, sport is a public good in the sense that the Government should take it upon itself to provide resources to enable sport to be enjoyed by the citizens.
“But the Government cannot do it alone.
“And, for that reason, we celebrate ZIFA pulling hands and resources with Sakunda and other partners.
“This is not only pioneering but also transformative in the sense that Zimbabweans football will never be the same again and this is something that could be transferred to the other sporting codes.
“I know stones are often thrown at ZIFA, but you have done well and we have to celebrate that.”
VAR allows match officials to review potentially match-changing incidents, including goals, penalties, direct red cards and cases of mistaken identity.
Its introduction is expected to address longstanding complaints about controversial refereeing decisions in domestic football.
However, the technology requires substantial investment in multiple cameras, video operation facilities, specialised personnel and ongoing match-day maintenance.
ZIFA is expected to spend approximately US$3.2 million during the initial implementation phase.
Premier Soccer League chairman Isaiah Mupfurutsa welcomed the development, saying the technology could ease pressure on referees and football administrators.
“As for me and my constituency, which is the PSL, we are so excited and very grateful over this development.
“I think it will take away a lot of burden from our backs. We know the referees have been judged harshly by a lot of people, probably without the full knowledge of the laws of the game.
“Football is a game of emotions but sometimes after going back to review the incident when the emotions are down you would start to think that the referees were probably right after all.
“I think with the introduction of the VAR, it will be very easy for us. I can’t wait to see the first game being played under VAR,” said Mupfurutsa.
FIFA referees instructor Felix Tangawarima said the programme was designed to build long-term capacity by training as many local match officials as possible.
The November 28 pilot will provide an opportunity to assess Zimbabwe’s readiness to operate the system before its proposed wider introduction next season.
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