Zimbabwe 'set' to introduce VAR

Zimbabwean football could soon take a major step towards embracing technology, with plans reportedly underway to introduce Video Assistant Referee at some of the country's leading stadiums.

According to ZBC, the Zimbabwe Football Association is working with Sakunda Holdings on the project, with the company reportedly funding the installation of the VAR system.

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Three stadiums earmarked

According to the report, the project is expected to cover three major venues the National Sports Stadium, Rufaro Stadium and Barbourfields Stadium.

ZIFA President Nqobile Magwizi has since spoken about the project and the partnership with Sakunda Holdings, highlighting the importance of having VAR.

"In an era where technology is the in-thing across the globe, it is a huge milestone not just for ZIFA but for our entire football ecosystem to have Video Assistant Referee (VAR) equipment installed at the National Sports Stadium," Magwizi said, per The Herald, as quoted by Soccer24.

"We would love to have VAR across our major venues, but we are very grateful to Sakunda Holdings for partnering with us in the installation of VAR equipment at the National Stadium for a start, and later Rufaro and Barbourfields.

"This is in line with the modernisation which has taken place at the National Sports Stadium, which is a vital national asset and for which Sakunda played a key role."

National Stadium first in line

The National Sports Stadium is set to lead the rollout, with work on the VAR facilities expected to get underway as Zimbabwe takes another step towards modernising its football infrastructure.

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The Rufaro and Barbourfields installations will follow, with the entire three-venue project targeted for completion by March 2027, according to the reports.

If completed as planned, the project would give Zimbabwe three venues equipped to use VAR, potentially marking a significant development for the country's domestic football.

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African Football News News VAR Technology Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League