First VAR Match in Zimbabwe Confirmed for Chibuku Super Cup Final

Story By Staff Reporter

Zimbabwean football will enter a new era next month. The Chibuku Super Cup final will host the country’s first match with Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology.

VAR debut set for November 28

FIFA Referees Instructor Felix Tangawariwa confirmed the news. The final takes place at Chahwanda Stadium in Kwekwe on November 28. It will mark the official live debut of VAR in Zimbabwean football.

Tangawariwa said some of the referees now in training will officiate the match.

“Among these referees, there are going to be referees who are going to officiate the first VAR live in Zimbabwe,” he said.

A live test for the system

The final will test VAR in real match conditions. FIFA and its technical staff will use the occasion to check whether the programme works.

Tangawariwa stressed that referees are only part of the picture. Broadcasters must keep pace too.

“Yes, we may have trained the referees,” he said. “But we also need the broadcasters to be moving with us in the same wavelength. If we leave the broadcasters out, you will find out it will not succeed.”

Training runs until November 16

The announcement follows the start of a 20-day VAR training programme. FIFA supports the programme and ZIFA runs it. Officials move from theory and simulations to short-match exercises and full-match assessments.

Officials must also meet FIFA’s certification requirements before they use the system in competitive matches.

Part of ZIFA’s wider push

Growing concern over controversial decisions in domestic competitions has driven the move. ZIFA wants to modernise officiating and restore confidence in referees.

The association has said it will roll out VAR in phases. It has named the National Sports Stadium, Rufaro Stadium and Barbourfields Stadium among its target venues.

How VAR works

VAR helps match officials review potentially match-changing incidents. These include goals, penalty decisions, direct red cards and cases of mistaken identity. The on-field referee still makes the final call.