RECENT reports that the Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) is exploring the introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in the local Premier Soccer League (PSL) have been met with widespread scepticism.
While the aspiration to align Zimbabwean football with global standards is commendable, the harsh reality on the ground suggests that VAR remains a distant, perhaps even unrealistic, dream for the foreseeable future.
The reality is that VAR is here to stay and the developed world continues to advance in that direction while in Africa and most Third World countries it remains a dream.
But the fact that Zifa has decided to engage Fifa in an endeavour to bring this technology to Zimbabwe has to be applauded.
Regardless of the odds, such challenges have to begin with the will and desire to have it.
After all, only three African countries, namely Morocco, Egypt and Mauritania, use VAR technology in their top-flight leagues.
Ivory Coast has also introduced it in local football, while South Africa could follow suit.
So it is the right time for Zifa to be angling for its introduction in Zimbabwe and it should start with the requisite training for referees.
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It would mean that, for starters, our referees will not be overlooked for international events, with almost all having embraced the technology. The current state of refereeing in Zimbabwe, often criticised for inconsistencies and questionable calls, suggests that a significant investment in basic referee development and integrity must precede any technological leap.
The most glaring obstacle is the dire state of infrastructure in Zimbabwe much of which has suffered years of neglect, thus failing to meet basic international standards, let alone the rigorous requirements for VAR implementation.
VAR, even its "Lite" version, demands reliable power, multiple high-definition cameras, high-speed internet and dedicated control rooms.
These are luxuries that simply do not exist in the majority of Zimbabwean football grounds.
It is right for the fans to question the rationale behind pursuing high-tech solutions when the very foundation of the game — playable and safe stadiums — is crumbling.
Beyond the physical infrastructure, the financial implications are staggering.
Implementing and maintaining a VAR system is an incredibly expensive undertaking.
Estimates suggest that even a "VAR Lite" system, which uses fewer cameras, still incurs significant costs for installation, specialised equipment, ongoing maintenance and the training of personnel.
While other African nations like Zambia are taking steps towards VAR implementation, often with significant support from Fifa, Zimbabwe's unique set of challenges — a struggling economy, chronic infrastructure deficit and perennial administrative issues within football — paint a much bleaker picture.
The desire for progress is understandable, but it must be tempered with a pragmatic assessment of current capabilities.
What we need is one stadium that can be used to implement VAR on select matches or just cup finals.
It is also good that Zifa claims to have engaged several local stakeholders, including broadcasters and the Premier Soccer League, in a bid to create a cohesive VAR environment.
It is certainly a good start for the introduction of VAR in the country.
