The implementation of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in Zambian leagues has long been overdue, according to Zambian FIFA assistant referee Nancy Kasitu.
The Zambian Football Association has provided 40 referees with VAR training to prepare the local match officials for the anticipated rollout of the technology in the Zambian Super League.
According to Kasitu, in an interview, Zambia must use technology to reduce the number of errors made by the league’s referees. In the absence of VAR, Kasitu continues, referees have been more likely to make mistakes.
“I think the introduction of the VAR to the Zambian League as a new way to decide; we’re actually moving in the right direction as the world is moving, and football is evolving,” Kasitu said.
“I think it’ll make things easier in case of any confusion that I might not be perfect, make errors in the game, but VAR gives us a second chance to check and analyze the decision that either the assistant or the ref makes.”
“There Will Be Challenges In The Early Stages” – Kasitu.
She anticipated challenges in the early stages of implementation, especially accepting decisions made through VAR.
“The biggest challenge will be players accepting certain incidents that happen in the game, and it’s an emotional game. Players, for example, if a goal is called, players will be excited, celebrating. Then VAR comes in and checks to say no. There was offside. So, I think it will be interesting to see how emotionally impact players and coaches,” Kasitu said.
Kasitu is confident that the Super League’s adoption of VAR will raise playing standards and better understanding of technology in football.
She stated, “Definitely, it will improve the flow of the game, making the game easier for referees to decide on certain things that they have not seen. And it will also improve the players, making them play in a good manner and not falling to deceive the referee. Actually, we have been taking a long to bring this to Zambia. We should have done this a long time ago. So now that it is here, it’s here to stay. It’s the right way to go.”
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