Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
GOVERNMENT has hailed ZIFA’s introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology as a transformative step for Zimbabwean football, saying the initiative is closely aligned with the country’s Vision 2030 development agenda.
Speaking at the official opening of the specialised VAR training programme in Harare yesterday, Sports and Recreation Commission Director of Finance, Human Resources and Administration, Brian Hodza, praised ZIFA for spearheading a project that is set to make Zimbabwe one of the first countries in Southern Africa to implement the technology.
Hodza, who was the guest of honour, said Government was proud of the innovation being driven by local football authorities and welcomed the support of private sector partners, particularly Sakunda Holdings, which is funding the project.
“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,” said Hodza.
“This is not only pioneering, but also transformative in the sense that Zimbabwean 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.”
Hodza said the introduction of VAR directly supports Vision 2030, highlighting sport’s contribution to youth development, national pride and social cohesion.
“This development of bringing VAR to Zimbabwe is in support of Vision 2030.
“Sport is such an important element of Vision 2030 because it contributes to youth development and also supports national vision and enhances the idea of national pride,” said Hodza.
ZIFA yesterday started the training of local match officials for VAR, with support from FIFA. The programme will run in phases until November 16, after which participants will undergo assessments as part of the certification and implementation process.
Hodza said the training represents a major milestone in ZIFA’s efforts to modernise officiating standards and address concerns over controversial refereeing decisions in domestic football.
Participants will complete four phases of training, beginning with theoretical instruction and simulation exercises before progressing to practical match scenarios and full-match assessments.
The first phase, which runs until tomorrow, focuses on introducing officials to VAR principles and simulation exercises designed to familiarise them with the technology.
The second phase, scheduled from Saturday to November 4, will centre on practical training through simulated match situations, helping officials sharpen their decision-making and communication skills. Short-match exercises will be conducted from November 6 to 10 before participants move on to full-match practical assessments between November 12 and 16. VAR technology allows match officials to correct clear and obvious errors in game-changing situations using multi-camera video review and has been widely credited for improving fairness and integrity in football.
“So, we are very appreciative of this development and this project VAR technology speaks to the benefits of introducing technology into the game and reducing the effects of human error,” said Hodza.
“We all know that referees work under very difficult circumstances, making split-second decisions, and often making the correct decisions.
“But we are saying in those instances they have not made the correct decisions; there is now a fallback position, and that fallback position is VAR. For that reason, we say well done, ZIFA, and thank you, FIFA for supporting Zimbabwe on that road.
“Those who follow the game for a long time will know goals that were not awarded and resulted in different teams winning championships. But with VAR, that is not going to happen,” said Hodza.
However, the system does not come cheap as it requires heavy multi-camera hardware, dedicated control facilities, specialised personnel, ongoing match-day logistics and maintenance.
ZIFA is expected to invest about US$3,2 million during the first phase of implementation, with the technology earmarked for use in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League from next season.
A pilot programme is scheduled for November 28, when VAR will be used for the first time in the top-flight during the Chibuku Super Cup final at Chahwanda Stadium.
PSL chairman Isaiah Mupfurutsa welcomed the development, describing it as a landmark moment for domestic football.
“This is actually a huge milestone for Zimbabwe and for our league,” said Mupfurutsa.
“As for me and my constituency, which is the PSL, we are so excited and very grateful for 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 they were planning long-term for VAR in Zimbabwe by capacitating as many officials as possible.
“It is part of FIFA and all the technical people to see if this programme is working. Yes, we may have trained the referees, but you also need the broadcasters to be moving with us at the same wavelength.
“If we leave the broadcasters out, you will find out it will not succeed. So, it is also very important that as we train referees during the one month, we are also training the broadcasters.
“Our idea is that when FIFA pulls out, we still have manpower to continue with the programme, and this is the reason why you see we have our technical instructors here, whom we are also training so that when we go out, they take over to train the referees here,” said Tangawarima.
