VAR Training – A Historic Milestone for ZIFA

ZIFA has opened its Video Assistant Referee (VAR) training course with sponsorship from Sakunda Holdings, bringing together local match officials and international experts to strengthen the skills needed for modern officiating. Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) Director Mr Brain Hodza was Guest of Honour at the opening ceremony, representing Government.

Addressing the gathering, ZIFA President Nqobile Magwizi paid tribute to Sakunda Holdings for backing the project, describing its sponsorship as an investment in match officials and the fairness of domestic competitions.
“Through this sponsorship, Sakunda Holdings is supporting the development of our match officials and helping us protect the fairness of our competitions,” Magwizi said.

He said players, clubs and supporters deserved confidence in the way matches were officiated, and that football administrators had a responsibility to provide referees with appropriate preparation and support. Magwizi also emphasised that progress depended on the competence of the people using the technology. He encouraged participants to engage fully with their instructors, ask questions and use practical exercises to improve their judgement.

The project is led by Felix Tangawarima, FIFA Technical and VAR Instructor, whose role includes guiding the development of the knowledge and working practices required by officials operating in a VAR environment.
“The priority is to prepare officials who understand the procedures and can work confidently as a team. Technology supports good refereeing, and the training must build that competence,” Tangawarima said.

The course offers participants an opportunity to examine how officials work together when reviewing match incidents, with particular attention to communication and the consistent application of procedures under pressure.

Supporting the programme are FIFA VAR Instructor Tammer Dorry Abdel Salam Mahmoud and Janny Sikazwe, a member of the CAF Referees Committee and Lead VAR Instructor for COSAFA. Football Technology Expert Ramy Gamal Award and the SEB4 VISION team are also involved, contributing the technical expertise needed to support the officials’ training. Their participation brings the refereeing and technology aspects of the project together, reflecting the importance of preparing both the people making decisions and those supporting the systems they use.

VAR assists referees within a defined framework, with responsibility for the final decision remaining with the referee. Understanding that relationship is central to developing officials who can use the available support appropriately while maintaining sound judgement.

The opening also recognised the contribution of ZIFA Referees Committee Chairperson Faith Mloyi, General Secretary Yvonne Manwa and the Secretariat, and Technical Director Dominique Niyonzima. Magwizi also stressed the need for patience as the project develops. Preparing officials, establishing reliable technical arrangements and building familiarity with procedures require sustained attention. The opening therefore marks a training milestone within a wider process, with continued practice essential to turning the knowledge gained into dependable performance. For ZIFA, that ongoing preparation is central to building confidence in the use of VAR.

Magwizi called for the knowledge developed through the programme to benefit refereeing more widely, including women’s football and development competitions. Participants were encouraged to share their learning with colleagues and maintain a commitment to improvement beyond the course. He further highlighted the need to educate coaches, players and supporters about how VAR works, helping the football community understand its role and develop realistic expectations.

Respect for match officials was another message in the President’s address. He said decisions and performances should be assessed professionally, with referees able to carry out their responsibilities without intimidation or abuse.

Supported by Sakunda Holdings, the training represents a practical investment in Zimbabwean refereeing. Its lasting value will depend on officials applying what they learn, continuing to develop their skills and carrying that preparation into the matches they oversee.

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