Former Orlando Pirates defender Innocent Chikoya has lifted the lid on why Zimbabwe is racing ahead of South Africa in bringing in Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology. While the Premier Soccer League still has no clear timeline, Zimbabwe is set to become the first country in Sub-Saharan Africa to use the system later this month.

Chikoya says the push for VAR in Zimbabwe is being driven by serious problems with referees. He believes bribery and match-fixing have become too common, with money changing hands so that certain teams can win the league. “There are bribery issues that are happening in Zim, money exchanging hands in terms of winning the league,” he explained. “So I think it is being pushed by that, to say there are other teams looking to win games by using their financial muscles.”

He also pointed out that Zimbabwe has started bringing in referees from Kenya for big matches. Chikoya says this looks bad and does not solve the problem, because those officials can also be paid off. Local referees, he argues, should be trusted and protected instead. “Even that one from Kenya can be given money, because what’s the difference?” he asked. “People are now fed up.”

At the same time, more money is flowing into Zimbabwean football. Clubs are paying players and coaches better salaries, and well-known names such as Willard Katsande and Kaitano Tembo have returned home. Chikoya believes this bigger financial muscle has made the need for fair officiating even more urgent.

Zimbabwe’s VAR system is scheduled to make its debut on 28 November during the Chibuku Super Cup final between Hardrock and Highlanders at Chahwanda Stadium in Kwekwe. Match officials and media have already undergone practical training under Felix Tangawarima, the COSAFA Head of Referees. Interestingly, Tangawarima has also been asked by the South African Football Association to help speed up VAR processes in South Africa.

For many South African fans, the contrast is frustrating. The PSL has spoken about VAR for years, yet progress remains slow. Chikoya’s comments suggest that Zimbabwe’s refereeing controversies and growing investment have forced the country to act faster. Whether this early start will truly clean up the game remains to be seen, but for now Zimbabwe looks set to take the lead on African soil.

Source: https://x.com/KickOffMagazine/status/2118977558012154348?a=txYqgGhQxtl39Cv5_X8&s=19