Zimbabwe Moves Closer To Introducing VAR As Nqobile Magwizi Leads Major Football Development

Zimbabwean football is preparing for a major technological transformation after the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) made significant progress towards introducing Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in domestic competitions.

The development represents an important milestone for the country's football administration, with ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi receiving recognition for his efforts to modernise the game and improve refereeing standards.

According to recent reports, Zimbabwe is targeting November 28, 2026, for the historic introduction of VAR during the Chibuku Super Cup final between Hardrock and Highlanders at Chahwanda Stadium in Kwekwe.

The planned introduction follows months of preparation involving ZIFA, FIFA and other football stakeholders. The initiative is designed to improve the accuracy of important refereeing decisions and reduce controversies that have regularly generated debate in domestic football.

One of the major developments has been the training of local match officials and other technical personnel. FIFA experts have been assisting Zimbabwean football authorities in preparing referees, assessors and broadcast partners to operate the technology effectively.

The training programme is particularly important because VAR requires more than installing cameras and video equipment. Officials must undergo specialised training and assessments before they can use the system in competitive matches.

ZIFA has also received support from Sakunda Holdings, which is financing the project and assisting with the installation of the necessary infrastructure.

The National Sports Stadium in Harare is among the venues earmarked for the technology, with Rufaro Stadium and Barbourfields Stadium also included in the broader development plans.

Magwizi has previously described the initiative as an important step towards strengthening Zimbabwe's football ecosystem, emphasising that modern technology can help protect the integrity of the game while supporting match officials.

The introduction of VAR is expected to assist referees with major decisions involving goals, penalties, direct red cards and cases of mistaken identity.

Importantly, the technology will not replace the authority of the referee. Instead, it will provide additional assistance when clear and obvious errors or serious missed incidents occur.

Zimbabwe's progress is also attracting attention across Southern Africa, particularly in South Africa, where discussions about introducing VAR into domestic football have continued.

For Zimbabwe, however, the immediate priority is ensuring that the technology is properly implemented, that local officials receive the necessary certification and that the system operates according to international standards.

If the planned November 28 debut goes ahead, it will mark a historic moment for Zimbabwean football and another significant achievement in the country's efforts to modernise its domestic competitions.

Credit must go to Magwizi and the football stakeholders involved in pushing the project forward. Their efforts demonstrate the importance of investing in technology, infrastructure and professional development to improve the overall standard of the game.

Source:

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