When the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Video Assistant Referee (VAR) Academy launches next month, it will benefit referees from across the continent, including six officials from Zambia.

Zambia’s flag-bearer, female referee Diana Chikotesha, who obtained her certification in 2014, serves as both an assistant referee and the sole certified video assistant referee in the Southern African nation.

Those shortlisted include Annesta Bwalya, Chola Chansa, Mathews Hamalila, Hilary Hambaba, Tryson Mwape, and Gloria Sambumba.

According to the FIFA website, other certified assistant referees that could benefit are Nyirenda Trywell, Mercy Kasitu, Warren Mulenga.

Others are Thomas Kaela, Mercy Zulu, Meck Zulu, Wilson Mpanisi, and Chiwoyu Sinyangwe and Lumbizai Musawa.

The goal, according to CAF Technical Development Director Raul Chipenda, is to raise the bar for officiating in each of the 54 CAF Member Associations.

Chipenda explains importance of VAR academy.

The Academy will train Referees on the use of VAR and ensure that Africa continues to produce elite referees.

“That is why at the AfCON in Cote d’Ivoire, our officials were rated amongst the best. But it does not help having a small group; we need a big pool,” Chipenda told CAF Media.

“Officiating plays a critical role in the development of African football, as evidently seen in the success of the recent CAF AfCON. CAF actively oversees and supports a number of football development programmes and competitions across Africa”

As CAF launches a continental initiative to offer courses throughout its zone unions, 180 referees are expected to profit.

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The CAF VAR Academy will serve as the first step in introducing VAR across the continent with the workshop set for South Africa from September 11–19, according to a communiqué released by CAF.