Zimbabwe Football Moves Closer to Historic VAR Debut

By Staff Reporter
HARARE — Zimbabwean football is set for a major technological shift, with the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system expected to make its domestic debut during the Chibuku Super Cup final on November 16.
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has begun preparations to introduce VAR, with the technology also expected to be used from the semi-final stage of the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup.
The planned introduction would mark the first time VAR is used in a domestic football match in Zimbabwe, although officials have warned that the November 16 launch remains subject to the successful completion of training and certification.
A FIFA-led training programme is scheduled to run from October 25 to November 16, with referees and other match officials undergoing intensive preparation on the operation of the system.
CAF Referees Manager Felix Tangawarima said FIFA experts would oversee the programme and determine whether Zimbabwean officials were ready to use VAR 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 said the proposed launch date could be postponed if the officials failed to meet FIFA's required standards.
“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.
ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi said the introduction of VAR should go beyond simply bringing new technology into the game, arguing that it must be accompanied by greater investment in referee development.
He said some referees had previously faced disciplinary action over decisions that did not meet expected standards, but stressed that this did not necessarily mean the officials lacked ability.
“We are happy to do this. It is not just about ticking boxes, but we are bringing sanity to the local game,” Magwizi said.
“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.”
If the officials complete their training and receive FIFA certification, the Chibuku Super Cup final could become a landmark fixture in Zimbabwean football, ushering in the use of VAR in domestic competition.