By Tapiwa Chawagarira
Zimbabwean football is moving into a new era of match officiating, with Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology set to make its domestic debut at the Chibuku Super Cup final in November.
The project has been made possible through funding commitment from Sakunda Holdings and FIFA.
This development follows a two-day FIFA-led VAR kick-off meeting that began in Harare on September 21 and brought together the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA), Premier Soccer League representatives, referees, stadium authorities, clubs, and other stakeholders.
The Chibuku Super Cup final has been identified as the potential first domestic match to use VAR. However, officials have stressed that deployment will depend on the readiness and certification of referees after an intensive training programme.
ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi confirmed that the association has already entered the training phase of the project, with VAR equipment being prepared for practical sessions. FIFA instructor and COSAFA VAR project manager Felix Tangawarima said the Chibuku final had been incorporated into the programme specifically to provide an opportunity to test the system before a wider domestic rollout.
Current reports indicate that the FIFA-led referee training programme is scheduled to run from October 25 to November 16, with the Chibuku Super Cup final targeted for November 16 as the first competitive domestic fixture to use VAR.
Zimbabwe already has seven referees who have received VAR training through CAF and COSAFA, providing an initial pool of officials for the country’s transition to the technology.
Tangawarima said referees would need to complete the required training and certification process, with FIFA responsible for certifying officials before they can operate VAR in competitive matches. He also indicated that officials must complete a minimum of 25 hours of VAR training.
The training will involve both theoretical and practical sessions, with officials expected to gain experience operating the equipment before it is used in competitive matches.
The Munhumutapa Challenge Cup is also expected to form part of the testing process, with VAR planned for use from the semi-final stage. The performances in those matches will then be assessed as ZIFA works towards introducing the technology more broadly in the Premier Soccer League.
ZIFA’s VAR project is being supported by FIFA and Sakunda Holdings, with the initial infrastructure focusing on major stadiums including the National Sports Stadium, Rufaro Stadium, Chahwanda Stadium, and Barbourfields Stadium.
Magwizi has also revealed that ZIFA is exploring mobile VAR units, which could be installed in vehicles and moved between venues, potentially allowing the technology to cover more domestic fixtures as the system expands.
The nationwide rollout, however, will require substantial investment. Magwizi said a system capable of covering the whole country could cost about US$3.2 million, and discussions with partners are continuing to secure additional equipment.
Under the VAR system, video officials assist referees with specific incidents, including goals, penalty decisions, direct red-card incidents, and cases of mistaken identity. The on-field referee remains responsible for the final decision after receiving information from the VAR team or conducting a review at the pitch-side monitor.
For Zimbabwe, the planned Chibuku Super Cup final test will therefore represent more than just another cup fixture, as the country seeks to establish the infrastructure, technical expertise, and officiating standards required for the eventual wider use of VAR in domestic football.
ZIFA has indicated that lessons from the initial matches will help shape the framework for VAR’s broader introduction into the 2027 Premier Soccer League season.
