Zimbabwe’s National Sports Stadium Set For VAR Before Year End
Zimbabwe’s National Sports Stadium is set to get Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology before the end of 2026. Sakunda Holdings has pledged to fund and install the system at the stadium as part of a wider investment in Zimbabwean football.
Sakunda To Fund National Sports Stadium VAR
The development was confirmed on Friday, 28 August 2026, after a meeting between Sakunda Holdings owner Kuda Tagwirei and Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) president Nqobile Magwizi.
Sakunda said the National Sports Stadium will be the first of 3 Zimbabwean venues to receive VAR.
The company also plans to support installations at Rufaro Stadium and Barbourfields Stadium.
The National Sports Stadium installation is targeted for completion by December 2026. The other 2 venues are expected to follow, with all 3 installations targeted for completion by March 2027.
How VAR Will Help Zimbabwe Football
VAR uses video footage and multiple camera angles to assist match officials with major decisions.
It can be used to review incidents involving goals, offsides, penalties, fouls and handballs.
The on-field referee remains responsible for the final decision and can review footage on a pitch-side monitor when necessary.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) recently approved the National Sports Stadium after renovations funded by Sakunda.
VAR Plan Comes Amid Refereeing Scrutiny
The introduction of VAR comes as domestic refereeing continues to attract attention.
The information supplied states that the ZIFA Referees Committee has suspended more than 10 referees this year over poor officiating.
If completed as planned, the VAR installation could add an extra layer of video review to major matches in Zimbabwean football.
The post Zimbabwe’s National Sports Stadium Set For Major VAR Upgrade Before Year End appeared first on iHarare News.
