Zimbabwe Football Set To Introduce VAR, Chibuku Super Cup Final Targeted For Historic Debut
Zimbabwean football has moved closer to introducing Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology, with ZIFA beginning preparations for the system’s rollout in domestic competitions.
A two-day kick-off meeting in Harare has brought together representatives from FIFA and CAF, ZIFA, the Premier Soccer League, referees, stadium owners and other key stakeholders as work gets underway on the project.
Also Read: Zimbabwe’s National Sports Stadium Set For Major VAR Upgrade Before Year End
Chibuku Super Cup Final Targeted
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.
A FIFA-led training programme will run from 25 October to 16 November, with referees and other officials being prepared to operate the system.
FIFA To Lead Training
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.
Magwizi Highlights Referee Development
ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi said the project was about more than simply bringing new technology into Zimbabwean football.
He said strengthening the skills and support available to match officials was equally important, particularly amid concerns over controversial refereeing decisions.
“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.
Seven Officials Already Trained
Zimbabwe already has a group of referees with VAR exposure, with seven officials having undergone training.
Among them is top referee Brighton Chimene, who has officiated at Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and CAF Champions League matches. Other Zimbabwean officials have also gained international experience through COSAFA competitions.
That existing experience is expected to assist with the transition as the country prepares to introduce VAR into its domestic competitions.
Sakunda Supports Project
Sakunda Holdings is supporting the VAR project as part of its involvement in the development of Zimbabwean football.
Sakunda Group Chief Operations Officer Mberikwazvo Charles Chitambo said the company wanted to contribute to efforts aimed at raising the country’s football standards.
“We are committed to supporting local football. We have been here before, helping to make sure the National Sports Stadium is back to hosting international matches. We support local clubs and our cause is to make Zimbabwe football better,” Chitambo said.
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