Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi-Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE adoption of Video Assisted Refereeing is set to come at a high cost for Zimbabwean football, with ZIFA billed to fork out around US$3.2 million for the first stage that is likely to see the technology being used in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League from next season.
The association has confirmed VAR equipment is already in the country and ZIFA are looking to expedite the preparation for the adoption and implementation of the system.
Speaking at the end of a two-day FIFA-led kick-off meeting funded by Sakunda Holdings, ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi yesterday said the country is making positive strides towards bringing VAR to the PSL doorstep.
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.
“To roll out a whole system that will cover the whole country, you’re looking at about US$3.2 million,” Magwizi said.
“But of course, we are happy because we got a sponsor who’s committing to be part of the project. And there is, of course, more people who have indicated that they might want to support the project to make sure that we are fully covered nationally.
“I’m very confident that by the time we get to November, I will be updating you on where we are,” said Magwizi.
ZIFA have partnered with Sakunda Holdings for the VAR project.
The technology, which helps referees fix errors in game-changing moments using multi-camera video review, has been widely hailed as it improves the integrity of the game.
Last year, neighbours South Africa presented a budget of R90m (approximately US$5.6m) for a similar project for the first year, and the football authorities estimated parting with around US$4.3m in succeeding seasons to operate the system.
With seven local referees already trained for VAR by CAF and COSAFA in Zimbabwe, ZIFA are looking to start small and then expand with time.
The association hosted FIFA experts and FIFA instructor Felix Tangawarima, who heads the Zimbabwe project, for a two-day workshop that was meant to lay the foundation for the introduction of VAR.
The meeting brought together officials from ZIFA, the PSL, clubs, Government and municipal representatives.
The next stage will include the training of referees from October 25, with the authorities aiming to use VAR for the Chibuku Super Cup final on November 16, as part of the training process. Magwizi was excited by the developments, which will make Zimbabwe one of the few countries in the region to adopt VAR technology. ZIFA president hopes the system will be implemented in all top-flight stadiums across the country.
“That’s the objective. Technically, it is possible if we bring in more kits, which may be installed in vans; those carry-away kits. It will be possible for a van to administer one venue and tomorrow go to another venue,” said Magwizi.
“So, we are working closely with the sponsors, and we are pushing to have more of those vans. But based on what has been committed, we can safely be able to cover eight matches a week.
“If we are having matches on a Friday, Saturday and a Sunday, we can safely be able to cover about eight matches based on the preliminary discussions we’ve had with the referees, and of course the competitions.
“We need to speak to the ZIFA team that’s responsible for the competition for the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup. We also need to speak to PSL, who are responsible for the Chibuku Super Cup.
“Then we align and agree at the beginning of the season to say, these are the majors, this is the capacity we have, and this is how we are going to roll out the VAR as we go into 2027.”
Respected former referee Tangawarima, who heads the Zimbabwe project, said VAR will only succeed with the commitment from all the parties involved.
“I think to begin with, this is a milestone for Zimbabwean football,” Tangawarima said.
“We have been waiting for this development for a long time. But what is important is commitment from all the stakeholders for this project to be successful because there is a lot of work to be done. Yes, FIFA has been here; commitment has been made.”
He also pledged that more referees will be trained to ensure enough manpower to operate the system. Zimbabwe currently has seven VAR-trained officials.
“What is important now is to start training the referees. As you saw in our programme, we are going to train the referees for four weeks, every week, which is intensive training.
“We will start with the theory, because we cannot just put them on the practical side. We need to start theoretically, and then we give them the opportunity to officiate using the VAR equipment.
“We are targeting to implement, but we cannot roll it out in the Premier League without testing how it works. So, we have actually designed a program whereby just coincide with the first roll-out tournament, the Chibuku Super Cup Final. And if all goes well, the Chibuku Super Cup Final will be the first game to be officiated with the VAR,” said Tangawarima.
