SAFA referee hacks his way to the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup

SAFA referee Abongile Tom has hacked his way to the 2023 FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Indonesia in May.

In recent history, SA match officials have formed part of prestigious tournaments in world football. These competitions include the Olympics, AFCON and the FIFA World Cup.

Victor Gomes and Zakhele Siwela, were the latest local referees that were part of these big spectacles.

The pair was fortunate to participate in the 2020 Olympics and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Akhona Makalima also made the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup panel, which will be held in Australia and New Zealand.

TOM PART OF THE 2023 FIFA U-20 WORLD CUP REFEREEING PANEL

Tom became the latest addition to this list. The 31-year-old is selected to be part of the 2023 U-20 FIFA World Cup panel later this year. He will be the only SAFA representative at the tournament

Prior to this, Tom was not only involved in DStv Premiership games, but he also made his mark in intercontinental games this season.

He was also the only SAFA representative at the 2022 CHAN finals in Algeria.

SAFA head of referees, Abdul Ebrahim, expressed pride for Tom.

Ebrahim told the SAFA media that Tom’s selection for the U-20 showpiece should be testament that the refereeing department is moving in the right direction.

SAFA HEAD OF REFEREES ON TOM’S RECENT ACHIEVEMENT

“We are extremely proud of Abongile and his progress shows that we are developing world class match officials,” said Ebrahim.

“As SAFA, we are happy that we have another match official at the highest level so soon after Victor Gomez retired.

“We have set a benchmark as a department to ensure that we are represented at all major tournaments for both men and women.”

The World Cup will consist of 24 teams from six confederations. And will start on 20 May to 11 June.

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