Sports Correspondent
NORTON – In a landmark moment for Southern African football, the COSAFA Under-17 Championship kicking off tomorrow will become the first tournament in Zimbabwe to utilise Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology.
The event, running until August 20 at Norton’s Ngoni MWOS Stadium, marks a significant step toward modernizing officiating in the region and serves as a testing ground for VAR’s introduction to Zimbabwe’s domestic leagues.
COSAFA Head of Referees, Felix Tangawarima, hailed the development as a historic achievement for the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA).
“This is one of the biggest developments to launch, and to host this tournament with VAR. It will go a long way for the players themselves and the public who are watching to see how it is when you officiate with VAR,” Tangawarima stated.
The initiative is viewed as a crucial precursor to implementing the technology in the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
“VAR is a process, it’s not a one-off activity. This hosting of the U17 tournament means they’ve started the ball rolling, and it’s going to be rolled out to the Premier League,” he added.
While logistical challenges involving equipment may prevent its immediate use in all top-flight matches, ZIFA has confirmed plans to introduce VAR in the 2025/26 season.
“They may not start with all the Premier League games per week because it takes a lot of equipment but according to the ZIFA president they are determined to have the new season with VAR in Zimbabwe,” Tangawarima explained.
The technology is expected to significantly enhance the credibility and fairness of the domestic game.
“It’s going to eliminate a lot of negative reporting about the games, about the referees and about ZIFA itself,” he said.
The tournament will therefore not only showcase the region’s emerging young football talent but also usher in a new era of officiating transparency in Zimbabwean football.
Follow us on social media for breaking news:
· X (Twitter): @ZimGbc
· Instagram: @ZimGBCNews
· TikTok: @ZimGBCNews_01
· Facebook: Zim GBC News
· YouTube: Zim GBC News
Get real-time alerts on WhatsApp:
+263 773 820 323
For in-depth coverage, visit our website: www.zimgbcnews.co.zw
Zim GBC News | Global News From An African Perspective©2025