By Tichaona Katsvamutima
Zimbabwean football is set for a historic milestone after FIFA Referees Instructor Felix Tangawarima confirmed that the Chibuku Super Cup final, scheduled for November 28 at Chahwanda Stadium in Kwekwe, will become the country’s first official domestic match to use the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system.
The development marks a significant step towards modernising football officiating in Zimbabwe, with the technology expected to improve decision-making, reduce controversial refereeing errors and strengthen confidence in domestic competitions.
The announcement follows a FIFA-supported implementation programme launched in September, involving international refereeing experts, Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) officials and domestic football stakeholders.
Training for local match officials was scheduled to begin on October 25, with FIFA specialists overseeing preparations and assessing referees against the required certification standards.
Seven Zimbabwean referees had previously undergone VAR training through CAF and COSAFA programmes, providing a foundation for the country’s transition to technology-assisted officiating.
Under FIFA regulations, VAR can intervene in four match-changing situations: goals, penalty decisions, direct red-card incidents and cases of mistaken identity.
The system allows video officials to review potential clear and obvious errors or serious missed incidents, although the on-field referee retains responsibility for the final decision.
ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi has described the introduction of VAR as part of broader efforts to improve refereeing standards and restore credibility to domestic football.
“We are happy to do this. It is not just about ticking boxes, but we are bringing sanity to the local game,” Magwizi said during earlier discussions on the project.
“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.”
The initiative has attracted financial backing from Sakunda Holdings, with plans to establish VAR infrastructure at major football venues, including Rufaro Stadium, Barbourfields Stadium and the National Sports Stadium.
Magwizi previously estimated that a comprehensive nationwide rollout would require approximately US$3.2 million, underlining the substantial investment needed to introduce the technology across Zimbabwe’s domestic football structures.
Meanwhile, the race for a place in the historic final is gathering momentum, with CAPS United scheduled to face Highlanders at Rufaro Stadium on November 1, while Hardrock and FC Hunters meet at Chahwanda Stadium on October 31.
The two winners will have an opportunity to become the first teams in Zimbabwean domestic football history to contest an official match using VAR.
Beyond the Chibuku Super Cup, ZIFA intends to extend the technology to other domestic competitions before considering its wider introduction into the Premier Soccer League.
However, its long-term implementation will depend on referee certification, technical infrastructure and the financial sustainability of operating the system.
