Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
RUSAPE-BASED Zimbabwe’s top referee, Brighton Chimene, who was the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in the recent CAF Champions League final pitting ZESCO of Zambia up against Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa, continues to get major assignments on the continent, and could be the torch bearer among the crop of local match official in the much-anticipated introduction of VAR in the country.
Media reports indicate that the National Sports Stadium will be the first of the three venues to receive the technology, with installation targeted for completion by December 2026.
Rufaro Stadium and Barbourfields Stadium are expected to follow, with all three installations set for completion by March 2027.
ZIFA president, Nqobile Magwizi, is on record describing the planned introduction of VAR as an important development for Zimbabwean football.
“In an era where technology is the in-thing across the globe, it is a huge milestone, not just for ZIFA, but for our entire football ecosystem to have Video Assistant Referee (VAR) equipment installed at the National Sports Stadium.
“We would love to have VAR across our major venues, but we are very grateful to Sakunda Holdings for partnering with us in the installation of VAR equipment at the National Sports Stadium for a start, and later Rufaro and Barbourfields.
“This is in line with the modernisation which has taken place at the National Sports Stadium, which is a vital national asset and for which Sakunda played a key role.”
However, it is Chimene who has been hogging the limelight in recent years as the best on the land and his appointment as VAR for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco was not a surprise.
Chimene’s appointment came after he served in the same role at last year’s men’s Africa Cup of Nations, highlighting CAF’s continued confidence in the Zimbabwean official.
The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations ended on August 16 in Morocco.
In a statement prior to the tournament, Zimbabwe Football Association hailed the appointment as recognition of Chimene’s professionalism, and a reflection of the growing stature of Zimbabwean refereeing on the continent, saying: “Zimbabwe Football Association congratulates referee Brighton Chimene on his appointment as a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
“This prestigious CAF appointment is a testament to Brighton’s professionalism, dedication and excellence in officiating, while also reflecting the continued growth and recognition of Zimbabwean refereeing on the continental stage.
“We wish Brighton every success as he proudly represents Zimbabwe at one of Africa’s biggest football showcases.”
Chimene’s appointment ensured Zimbabwe had representation among the match officials at the women’s continental showpiece, which was held in Morocco.
The country’s only major prospect for the next match official at the World Cup – Chimene – has not backtracked after he became the sole Zimbabwean among the referees who handled the AFCON Under-20 tournament as he continued to affirm his status as the best among locals.
As his career grew, last year, the Rusape-based five-time Castle Lager Premier Soccer League referee-of-the-year award recipient went all the way to be one of the four match officials in the AFCON Under-17 finals between Morocco and Mali.
Chimene served as a fourth match official, and was in the company of Namibia’s Andinio Twanyanyuka, who was the centre referee, Salim Asao (first assistant referee) and Nancy Kasitu (second assistant referee).
Morocco won the final 4-2 on penalties
In the past, Chimene has handled AFCON qualifier matches.
The gifted match official has also handled World Cup qualifiers.
The soft spoken and humble match official, whose firm grip when handling top-flight and continental football matches is in stark contrast to his modest nature, was crowned the 2025 referee-of-the-year for the fifth time in his glowing career during a glamourous soccer stars-of-the-year banquet in Harare.
The former Vengere High School learner, Chimene, was on the winners’ podium during the 2014, 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2025 editions of the same event.
The 34-year-old match official joined the FIFA Panel in 2019, and has age on his side.
Given the experience and maturity he has been gaining in recent years, let alone his trademark flawless performances, Chimene is surely poised for greater heights.
History has it that retired match official Brighton Mudzamiri is the only Zimbabwean referee who officiated at the World Cup, albeit as an assistant.
