Exclusive: Two SA Match Officials Earn CAF Contracts

The Confederation of African Football has given 25 match officials professional contracts, including two South African referees. 

CAF took another step towards growing African football after giving 25 match officials contracts, 20 males and five females, pro contracts.

The match officials were informed three days ago by CAF, and the contracts mean the referees will be paid monthly by mother body of African football.

The 20 males also include South African stand-out referee Abongile Tom, who has picked up the baton from retired Victor Gomez in representing Mzansi on the continental and global stage.

In addition, female referee Akhona Makalima was also among the 25 referees honoured by CAF, flying the South African flag.

The new initiative is part of developing African football and it’s another step taken by Dr. Patrice Motsepe. 

Makalima has been one of the best referees in the country, and her fine performances recently saw her officiating in the FIFA U20 Woman’s World Cup in September last year.

Meanwhile, Tom has been in and out of the country officiating in the CAF inter-club competitions, as well as the African Nations Championship (CHAN) in January.

Story by Sinethemba Makonco (@Makonco_M).