Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE adoption of VAR in Zimbabwe is set to come at a significant cost with ZIFA billed to fork out around US$3.2 million for the first stage.
This will likely see the technology being used in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League as from next season.
The association have 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 was 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 that 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 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 away 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 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.
The ZIFA president hopes the system will be implemented in all topflight 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 weekend.
“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.”
Mathew Masinge