ZIFA Holds Elite Referees Workshop Ahead of 2026 Season

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has begun its Elite Referees Pre-Season Workshop in Bulawayo as preparations intensify for the 2026 domestic football season.

The three-day programme has brought together the country’s top referees and assistant referees for fitness evaluations, technical updates and integrity sessions designed to sharpen officiating standards before competitive action resumes.

The timing of the workshop comes just days before the Castle Challenge Cup, where league champions Scottland FC are set to face cup winners Dynamos FC at Rufaro Stadium on Sunday.

Proceedings opened with registration and formal remarks before moving into core technical areas. The programme blends classroom learning, video analysis, medical checks and structured fitness work in line with modern refereeing demands.

In a message delivered on behalf of ZIFA vice president Kennedy Ndebele by Southern Region chairperson Cris Mtungwazi, officials were urged to uphold the integrity of the game.

“Referees are the custodians of the Laws of the Game,” the statement read, adding that the Executive Committee led by President Nqobile Magwizi continues to prioritise improvements in match officiating.

Day one places strong emphasis on integrity and ethical conduct, while technical sessions focusing on penalty-area incidents and key match situations aim to improve decision-making under pressure. Written and video assessments have been incorporated to ensure referees meet measurable performance benchmarks.

Over the weekend, attention will shift to tactical fouls and offside interpretation, areas ZIFA believes are critical to achieving consistency across competitions.

ZIFA Referees Committee chairperson Faith Mloyi said the workshop is meant to unify understanding among officials.

“We want our referees aligned in interpretation and confident in applying the Laws of the Game,” Mloyi said. “Consistency remains a key objective.”

Referees manager Philani Ncube added that the platform allows the association to directly address challenges faced by officials while reinforcing fitness and integrity standards.

With the new season fast approaching, the Bulawayo workshop signals ZIFA’s continued push to strengthen officiating quality and credibility across Zimbabwean football competitions.