In their most recent podcast, Cosafa revealed that it will begin a new chapter after acquiring VAR equipment, which will be used in the final stages of the men’s senior COSAFA Cup.
The council has also stated that the equipment will be used as a training tool for referees in the region.
“After a successful pilot project last year at the Cosafa Women’s Championship, the aim is now to have VAR at all Cosafa events in the future,” the regional body revealed.
“But the system will also be used to train referees, which is becoming vital with CAF and Fifa requiring licensed VAR operators at their events.”
Cosafa to use VAR to train its referees
COSAFA referees manager Felix Tangawarima has noted that African football risks being left behind by the rest of the world if they lag in technology such as VAR.
“VAR is there within the laws of the game, and it is not going anywhere, so it is important for us to embrace it. In the future, if you want to go to a World Cup, you will have to have practiced with VAR,” Tangawarima said.
He added, “FIFA will come any day and say every game will be VAR, so we urge our member associations at Cosafa to get ready for that. FIFA is looking for licensed officials, and we don’t want our referees to be left out.”
Tangawarima also reveals that Cosafa has identified some individuals, including Zambian top assistant referee Diana Chikotesha, from the region who will help train other referees operating VAR at the upcoming tournaments.
Last year, COSAFA piloted the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) during the senior women’s championship.
Three tournaments that have been earmarked for VAR are the men’s senior COSAFA Cup in June, the senior women’s championship, and the COSAFA Women’s Champions League.
