Zimbabwe has set a date for the debut of Video Assistant Referee [VAR] technology, with November’s Chibuku Super Cup final earmarked for the pilot at Chahwanda Stadium, while progress stalls in South Africa’s Betway Premiership.
FIFA conducted a VAR kick-off meeting in Harare on Tuesday as the Zimbabwe Football Association [ZIFA] laid the groundwork for the technology expected to bring domestic competitions closer to international standards.
The programme, supported by FIFA, will run for three months, with referee training set to commence on October 25. However, officials must meet FIFA certification standards before VAR can be deployed in competitive matches.
ZIMBABWE TAKES CRITICAL STEPS TOWARDS VAR IMPLEMENTATION
ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi revealed procurement of equipment is already underway, bankrolled by Sakunda Holdings, with installation earmarked for major stadiums.
Sakunda’s support is set to cover implementation costs at Rufaro Stadium, the National Sports Stadium in Harare and Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo.
“The VAR equipment for Zimbabwe is already being purchased. For training purposes, there is also a consultant who will bring equipment that will be used during the training programme starting in October,” said Magwizi.
He confirmed the technology is expected to be used for the first time during the 2026 Chibuku Super Cup final on 16 November.
“We have seen referees being suspended because of decisions not consistent with their training, but not because they are bad. Our officials need to be capacitated and supported to grow the game,” Magwizi added.
In addition, ZIFA expects to finalise a framework governing the use of VAR ahead of the 2027 season. The development comes while South Africa continues to grapple with implementation.
Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie recently confirmed that his department wrote to SAFA seeking an update on progress, despite government allocating R82 million in September last year to roll out VAR in partnership with SAFA and the PSL.
Pressure to implement the system has intensified following a string of high-profile refereeing errors in the opening weeks of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season.
RELATED STORY: Gayton McKenzie seeks update from SAFA on VAR progress
