THE Zimbabwe Football Association’s (ZIFA) Video Assistant Referee (VAR) training funded by Sakunda Holdings has begun.
The VAR is deemed important in football because it acts as a critical safety net to minimize human error and uphold sporting fairness in high-stakes matches.
Led by FIFA experts, the programme is equipping local match officials with the technical knowledge and practical skills needed to operate the technology, marking a significant milestone in the drive to improve officiating standards.
Sakunda Holdings deserves immense credit for backing an ambitious project that promises to strengthen the integrity of the game, reduce clear and obvious refereeing errors and bring Zimbabwean football to international standards.
The investment goes beyond technology. It is an investment in referees, players, clubs and supporters, and in the future of Zimbabwean football.
With training now underway, attention turns to the next phase: preparing officials and infrastructure for VAR implementation in domestic competitions.
Zimbabwe is positioning itself for a major step forward in African football. If successfully implemented, the project could establish a new benchmark for domestic officiating in the region.