DAR ES SALAAM: THE TANZANIA Premier League Board (TPLB) Chief Executive Officer, Almas Kasongo, has announced that several referees will undergo intensive training to operate the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system.
This initiative represents a significant advancement in Tanzanian football, aiming to enhance the standards of officiating through cutting-edge technology and reduce human errors.
Kasongo revealed that a select group of referees will participate in a comprehensive five-session training programme on the VAR system. This training will be facilitated by FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
“Our referees, who are set to be part of the VAR team, will be trained extensively by FIFA and CAF. The goal is to ensure that they are fully equipped to use the VAR technology effectively,” Kasongo said.
The VAR system, which is designed to assist referees in making accurate decisions during matches, is a significant advancement in football officiating.
However, Kasongo stressed that the technology will not be implemented in the league’s early matches until the referees have completed their training and received certification from FIFA and CAF.
“Until our referees are properly trained and certified, VAR will not be used in the initial league matches,” he clarified.
The training sessions will cover a range of topics, including the technical operation of VAR, physical fitness drills, a review of the 17 football rules and addressing refereeing challenges that emerged during the previous season.
ALSO READ: PM commends VAR introduction in PL
Kasongo expressed confidence that this rigorous preparation will lead to improved officiating standards for the league. “We are optimistic that the upcoming season will see significant improvements in refereeing, thanks to this training,” he noted.
Kasongo also highlighted the board’s commitment to readiness for the new season, stating, “As TPLB, in collaboration with the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF), we are 95 percent prepared for the new season.”
This initiative marks a significant step forward in the evolution of football officiating in Tanzania, promising enhanced accuracy and fairness in the league’s matches.