Refereeing is a vital cog and sometimes decides the results.
With this in mind, Hollywoodbets Super League outfit, JVW FC, took it upon themselves and through their Development Program to help develop the knowledge of those who are involved in one way or another with the game of billions.
The Bedfordview-based side hosted a SAFA-accredited Referees’ course at their home ground, Jeppe Quondam, running over two days – from 28-29 May 2022.
Led by acclaimed SAFA referee instructors Johnny du Toit and Paulo Marques, this unique course was attended by parents, current footballers (male and female), teachers, football club board members, school and club coaches as well as referees already officiating.
With the game ever evolving and being one of the most popular sports in the world, it gives us great pleasure to be able to give back in different areas of the game. As part of our program we strive to educate not only players, but coaches, managers and referees too. We work alongside experienced players, coaches, administrators and instructors who are all willing to share their knowledge for a common goal – to grow the game together,” said Lauren Duncan of JVW.
Du Toit and Marques are referee coaches, FIFA Futuro 3-trained, as well as being CAF and COSAFA referee instructors.
They also work as PSL Match Commissioners and Referee Assessors.
The aim for the club is to help develop everyone in all aspects of the game, especially refereeing with the ever-changing rules, so as to better understand the game – hence the inclusion of, among others, parents, board members and the players.
Those who pass exam will be accredited by the SAFA referee’s department.
The reason for the course is to train and further develop coaches and players on the laws of the games, educate them and give them a better understanding which can help them tactically and technically. This will also assist players who would like to pursue a career in refereeing. We guide and assist where we can with the laws of the game,” said Du Toit.
JVW is working closely with Du Toit and Marques to help develop and identify referees and guide them into a possible career choice – and who knows, maybe we will have other Victor Gomes, Zakhele Siwela or Akhona Malinga in future.
Just this week (Monday, 30 May 2022) the South African pair was officiating in the final of the CAF Champions League between Wydad Casablanca of Morocco and Al Ahly of Egypt.
Earlier this year, they took charge of the much-anticipated Africa Cup of Nations final in Cameroon where Senegal defeated Egypt to lift the title for the first time ever.
The duo will continue flying the South African flag high as they will be officiating at the upcoming Qatar 2022 FIFA World from 21 November to 18 December.
Joining them on FIFA World Cup assignments is Akhona Makhalima.
The Eastern Cape-born referee has also been climbing up the ranks and flying the flag after being named on the list of referees in the upcoming U20 Women’s World Cup. She has also been nominated as one of the match officials for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Akhona, Siwela and Gomes join a long list of other South Africans who have officiated at FIFA World Cup tournaments:
Daniel Bennett:
(U-17 World Cup 2013 UAE‚ Club World Cup UAE 2010)
Jerome Damon:
(World Cup 2010‚ U-17 World Cup 2005 Peru‚ U-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009‚ Olympic Games 2008‚ Club World Cup Japan 2006)
Carlos Henriques:
(U-20 World Cup Nigeria 1999)
Ian McLeod:
(World Cup 1998‚ Confederation Cup 1997)
Enoch Molefe:
(World Cup 2010‚ U-17 World Cup 2005 Peru‚ U-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009‚ Olympic Games 2008‚ Club World Cup Japan 2006)
Achmat Sallie:
(World Cup 1998‚ U-20 World Cup Malaysia 1997)
Zakhele Siwela:
(World Cup 2018‚ U-20 World Cup 2017 South Korea‚ U-20 World Cup 2015 New Zealand‚ U-17 World Cup 2011 Mexico‚ U-17 World Cup 2013 UAE‚ Club World Cup UAE 2018)
Ari Soldatos:
(World Cup 1998‚ U-20 World Cup Qatar 1995).
By Matlhomola Morake (additional info from SAFA.net)