Sports Correspondent<\/p>\n\n\n\n
NORTON \u2013 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The event, running until August 20 at Norton\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
COSAFA Head of Referees, Felix Tangawarima, hailed the development as a historic achievement for the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis 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,\u201d Tangawarima stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The initiative is viewed as a crucial precursor to implementing the technology in the Premier Soccer League (PSL).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cVAR is a process, it\u2019s not a one-off activity. This hosting of the U17 tournament means they\u2019ve started the ball rolling, and it\u2019s going to be rolled out to the Premier League,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThey 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,\u201d Tangawarima explained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The technology is expected to significantly enhance the credibility and fairness of the domestic game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s going to eliminate a lot of negative reporting about the games, about the referees and about ZIFA itself,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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