Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere
A CRUCIAL referees’ refresher and training programme is set to headline the next phase of futsal’s rapid growth in the city, as stakeholders move to professionalise the fast-rising sport.
Futsal is a fast-paced, 5-a-side indoor soccer game recognised by Fifa, played on a small hard court with a smaller, low-bounce ball. Matches consist of two 20-minute halves with unlimited substitutions. Emphasising technical skill and quick passing, it is popular worldwide and considered a key training tool for developing football talent.
The three-day course, scheduled for 30 April to 2 May at the Football for Hope Centre in Gwabalanda, is being spearheaded by the Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) in partnership with Zimbabwe Futsal.
Targeting aspiring and active referees aged 25 and below, the programme is expected to sharpen officiating standards, with participants set to receive certification upon completion, a key step in aligning local futsal with international benchmarks.
The initiative comes at a time when futsal in Bulawayo and the country in general is enjoying unprecedented momentum, following a high-profile visit by Zifa technical director Dominique Niyozima, who recently toured the Gwabalanda facility to assess readiness for the upcoming season.
Niyozima’s visit underscored the importance of strong officiating structures in sustaining the sport’s growth.
“It’s not just about playing the game, but ensuring that all systems, including refereeing meet the required standards,” said Zimbabwe Futsal president Philani Banda.
He further described the referees’ course as a cornerstone in the sport’s development matrix.
“This is a critical component in our roadmap. As the game grows, the need for well-trained, competent match officials becomes even more important. We are investing in the future of the sport,” Banda said.
The training programme also dovetails with preparations for the official futsal league season kick-off, set for Sunday at the same venue, an event expected to draw significant attention from across the football community.
For years, the Gwabalanda-based centre has hosted vibrant five-a-side action, but recent developments signal a shift towards structured growth, with increased involvement from national football authorities.
Futsal, widely regarded as a technical and fast-paced version of the traditional game, is increasingly being viewed as a vital tool in player development, offering a platform to nurture skills such as close control, quick decision-making, and tactical awareness.
With the introduction of structured referee training, improved organisation, and growing institutional support, Bulawayo is positioning itself as the hub of futsal development in Zimbabwe.
As the countdown to the new season gathers pace, all eyes will not only be on the players but also on the referees, who are now stepping into the spotlight as key players in the sport’s promising future.
Sidumisile Mabena