BFA step-up efforts to introduce VAR
Mqondisi Dube | Monday May 5, 2025 06:00
Botswana could become one of the first COSAFA members to introduce VAR, after the BFA held the second of a three phase training project for match officials this week. The BFA Referees Manager, Phodiso Rasetsoga said following the second workshop, they are pleased with progress. 'We are pleased with the rate at which participants are grasping both the theoretical content and the practical applications during training. I am confident that a good number will be certified after completing the required hours,' Rasetsoga said. 'It is important to note that this current phase — using simulators in classrooms and conducting practical sessions on the field — is just the second step.
The next and crucial phase will be integrating VAR into live match situations to complete the preparation process,' he added. Rasetsoga said some challenges include lack of equipment and fewer venues in Botswana meeting standards for VAR implementation. 'At the moment, we are relying on COSAFA's VAR equipment, so securing our own system will be a key step towards sustainable implementation. Additionally, only a few stadiums in Botswana currently meet the technical requirements to support VAR operations. This limitation may reduce the number of matches where VAR can be used in the early stages,' Rasetsoga said. He added that the training workshops are important as they serve as a foundation for identifying and developing VAR talent. 'For one to be a VAR, assistant VAR, or VAR instructor, they must be certified. Currently, we need at least two to four more VAR-certified referees and two to three instructors to fully support the implementation of VAR next season,' he said.
'These courses are not only about training but also about talent identification, as not every good on-field referee is naturally suited to be a VAR official. Moreover, having more certified FIFA referees increases our chances of getting appointments to regional, continental, and FIFA tournaments,' Rasetsoga added. He said the introduction of VAR will enhance credibility and integrity of local match officiating. Rasetsoga said this will in turn, build public confidence, attract spectators to matches and increase chances of football securing commercial partners. At least 10 referees, 10 assistants, and three instructors are expected to be trained before the start of next season. It is unclear how much it will cost the BFA to secure equipment and implement VAR. In February, the BFA chief executive officer, Mfolo Mfolo said it will cost around P80, 000 to set-up VAR equipment.