By Sello Masilo
In a significant boost for South African football officiating, the South African Football Association’s (SAFA) National Referees Committee and the Referees Department proudly congratulated Abongile Tom and Akhona Makalima for their appointments by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Both Tom and Makalima served as Video Assistant Referee (VAR) and Assistant Video Assistant Referee (AVAR), respectively, in the 2024 CAF Super Cup match between Egyptian giants Al Ahly and Zamalek. The thrilling encounter ended in a 4-3 penalty shootout victory for Zamalek at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Friday, 27 September 2024.
This appointment marks a remarkable milestone for South African match officials, further highlighting their rising reputation on the African continent. The recognition of Tom and Makalima’s expertise not only elevates their profiles but also positions South Africa as a key player in the growth and professionalism of football officiating in Africa.
The Rise of South African Referees: A Landmark Moment
The appointments of Abongile Tom and Akhona Makalima to officiate in one of the most prestigious football tournaments in Africa signify a new chapter for South African refereeing. Both officials have worked tirelessly to hone their skills and set the highest standards in their officiating roles. Their participation in the CAF Super Cup as VAR and AVAR officials showcases their dedication, professionalism, and expertise in applying advanced technological tools in football.
SAFA’s Referees Committee Celebrates the Achievement
The SAFA National Referees Committee expressed immense pride and gratitude for the two referees’ contributions, stating:
“This remarkable achievement is a testament to their dedication, skill, and professionalism. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and the honour they bring to South African officiating on the continental stage. Their appointment not only highlights their individual excellence but also serves as an inspiration to all aspiring referees in our country.”
The acknowledgment by SAFA is not only a reflection of individual achievements but an indication of South Africa’s continued commitment to promoting and developing world-class officiating talent. SAFA recognizes the importance of nurturing top officials to represent the nation on international stages, and Tom and Makalima’s appointments stand as a testament to this vision.
Celebrating the Journey of Abongile Tom and Akhona Makalima
Abongile Tom has been steadily climbing the ranks in African football officiating. His expertise in using VAR has set him apart as one of the continent’s leading figures in this emerging technology. For Tom, officiating in a high-stakes match like the CAF Super Cup is a clear indication of his rise in the refereeing world, and he will likely continue to be a vital figure in future CAF and FIFA tournaments.
Akhona Makalima, often referred to as “SheRef,” has broken numerous barriers in South African football officiating, including being the first female referee to officiate in the country’s top-flight men’s league. Her role as AVAR in the CAF Super Cup further cements her status as a trailblazer, showing that her achievements are not limited to gender but driven by pure professionalism and skill.
Makalima’s rise to officiating in continental finals is a powerful message to aspiring female referees across Africa, encouraging them to reach for greater heights and challenge the gender norms in football officiating. With such representation at the highest level, young girls interested in sports now have role models they can look up to.
SAFA’s Vision: The Future of VAR in South Africa
The success of Tom and Makalima further accelerates the conversation within SAFA about the future implementation of VAR technology in South African domestic football. In their statement, the Referees Committee highlighted ongoing discussions regarding the introduction of VAR technology in local competitions, emphasizing the importance of having well-trained officials like Tom and Makalima to lead this transition.
“We are confident that Abongile and Akhona will continue to uphold the highest standards of officiating. We look forward to their future contributions to the training and development of match officials in South Africa, especially as we have entered discussions to one day introduce VAR technology in our domestic competitions,” the committee noted.
This development is timely, given the rapid adoption of VAR technology worldwide. South Africa’s implementation of VAR could significantly improve the accuracy of decisions in local leagues, further aligning its football with international standards.
Dr. Danny Jordaan’s Endorsement: A Global Recognition
SAFA President Dr. Danny Jordaan also praised the referees’ achievements, noting that their appointments in the CAF Super Cup reaffirm South Africa’s position on the global stage. He described the recognition as “an inspiration to all officials who also follow in their footsteps.”
“This recognition on the global stage is an inspiration to all officials who also follow in their footsteps. We are delighted to see South African referees making great strides internationally, and we will continue supporting them as they represent us with pride.”
Dr. Jordaan’s words highlight SAFA’s ongoing commitment to developing and supporting referees through mentorship and exposure to top-tier international competitions. Jordaan’s backing will likely encourage more investment in referee development, with the aim of having more South African officials recognized by CAF and FIFA in the future.
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