Zimbabwe accelerates VAR implementation as training gets underway this month

ZIFA started its plans much later than South Africa’s VAR plans, which are a bit delayed, but Magwizi says they're moving ahead with theirs.

Speaking to SABC Sport in an exclusive interview on the sidelines of the CAF Strategy Conference on Sal Island in Cape Verde, Magwizi says they are intentional about bringing VAR to the Zimbabwean Premier Soccer League.

"Yes, we are doing this on the 25th of October we'll start the training. We've already signed all the necessary paperwork with FIFA,” Magwizi said. 

“We have set up all the VAR accounts so the VAR programme starts on the 25th and we are looking at completing it around the 16th of November at which point we can then go on and do some actual matches where they can train the referees at real match scenarios. So, we are very excited about that as well."

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What gives ZIFA’s VAR plans some impetus is the person who is behind the implementation of the process, the COSAFA Head of Referees, Felix Tangawarima, who is well-versed in this space, as he has overseen the introduction of VAR at COSAFA. 

Magwizi says Tangawarima’s experience is helping them to move with precision in this space.

"We are privileged to have him and he's been very supportive. As I mentioned before he has already trained about seven VAR referees from Zimbabwe and now we have to increase them so that, once we start rolling out the VAR, we have enough referees to be able to take care of what's needed for referees under VAR,” he added.