Safa heap praise on Gomes and Siwela after Champions League performance

The South African Football Association (Safa) has heaped praise on exceptional referee Victor Gomes and assistant Zakhele Siwela for their Caf Champions League performance.

The duo were in charge of the Champions League final between Al Ahly and Wydad AC, who walked away victorious with a 2-0 scoreline at Mohamed V Stadium in Casablanca on Monday night.

Gomes and his trusted lieutenant, Siwela, are considered one of the best match officials on the African continent thus far.

“I want to congratulate Victor Gomes on a strong performance in the CAF Champions League in Casablanca,” said Safa president Dr Danny Jordaan.

“While speaking to many people here, the consensus was his performance confirmed him as one of the best two referees on the continent. We congratulate him. The same goes for Zakhele Siwela, who also delivered another sterling performance as an assistant referee.

“The other South Africans who were also involved in the Champions League final, Al Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane and striker Percy Tau, unfortunately, could not repeat last year’s performance. But they still gave a good account of themselves.”

The two officiated the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) final between Senegal and Egypt in Cameroon earlier this year, and they will be heading to the 2022 Fifa World Cup due to take place in Qatar from Monday 21 November, until Sunday, 12 December.