Tanzania is set to write a new chapter in African football history after officially announcing the introduction of the Video Support (VS) system in the Tanzania Mainland Premier League starting next season.
The move will make Tanzania the first country in Africa to use Video Support technology, a system designed to help referees make more accurate decisions at a significantly lower cost than the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system.
For several consecutive seasons, the Tanzania Mainland Premier League has faced repeated complaints over refereeing decisions, and last season was no exception.
In response, the country's football authorities have decided to introduce video technology to improve the accuracy of officiating and strengthen the integrity of the league.
Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) President Wallace Karia has confirmed that the Video Support system will be officially implemented beginning with the upcoming Tanzania Mainland Premier League season.
According to Karia, the primary objective of the system is to help referees make more accurate decisions, reduce avoidable mistakes, and minimize the recurring complaints from football stakeholders.
What Is Video Support (VS)?
Video Support is a video review system that allows the referee to stop play and review a key incident on a video monitor before making a final decision.
The system is designed to improve the accuracy of crucial decisions that could influence the outcome of a match while giving the referee an opportunity to verify the incident before reaching a final verdict.
The Difference Between VS and VAR
Although both Video Support (VS) and Video Assistant Referee (VAR) rely on video technology, they operate in very different ways.
Under the VAR system, a dedicated team of video officials monitors the entire match and advises the on-field referee whenever they identify a clear error or a significant incident that may have been missed.
With Video Support, however, there is no team of video officials continuously monitoring the match. Instead, the on-field referee alone decides whether an incident should be reviewed using video before making a final decision.
In addition, the coaches of both teams will have the opportunity to request reviews of disputed incidents during the match.
Because of its simpler structure, Video Support requires less equipment and is considerably less expensive to operate than VAR, making it a practical solution for leagues that are gradually investing in football technology.
The introduction of Video Support is expected to improve transparency, fairness, and the overall quality of officiating in the Tanzania Mainland Premier League. If successfully implemented, Tanzania will become the first nation in Africa to adopt the technology and could serve as a model for other countries seeking a more affordable way to enhance football officiating.
