Respected South African assistant referee Zakhele Siwela is hoping and bracing himself to officiate in more matches at this year’s Fifa World Cup because, for the first time, the tournament has been increased to 48 participating teams.
The award-winning Siwela, along with Abongile Tom, were announced by Fifa as the two Mzansi officials who will be officiating at the 2026 Fifa World Cup that will be co-hosted by the USA, Mexico and Canada.
The tournament starts on June 11, when Bafana Bafana face Mexico at the Aztech
Stadium. The Alexandra-born linesman will be officiating in his third Fifa World Cup tournament, and he is excited that there is a high possibility of running the line in more matches compared to previous tournaments.
He was previously assigned to the 2018 World Cup in Russia and the Qatar edition
in 2022. Besides working in a handful of Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, Siwela, and retired referee Victor Gomes, handled the 2021 Afcon final between Senegal and Egypt in Cameroon.
“The World Cup is the biggest event in the world, and I am very honoured to be chosen once again, the 43-year-old Siwela opened up to Sunday World.
“All the world cups are different; the one in Russia was very different to the last in
Qatar. This just shows that I have worked very hard and that my work has not been average – the World Cup is for the best players, the coaches and even referees. I hope to achieve more in my career because I have really worked hard, and kept fit physically and mentally.
“I hope I can get more matches because there are more countries taking part. I hope to get more matches in the knockout stages and also to progress very far with the best referees in the tournament and in the world.”
The South African Football Association said, “We are bursting with pride to see Abongile and Zakhele carry the South African flag to the North American continent. Their selection is not just a personal milestone; it is a victory for our entire development pathway.
“It proves that the hard work put into our training programmes and the rigorous standards set by our instructors are bearing fruit. We have no doubt they will officiate with the integrity and excellence that have become their trademarks.
“The presence of South African referees at the World Cup is a significant milestone that confirms our ongoing investment in official development.
“These nominations prove that our programmes are successfully aligning domestic talent with global standards.”
The association further explained that while the spotlight shines on the two nominees, the national referees committee acknowledges that this achievement is the product of a strong support system.
- South African assistant referee Zakhele Siwela aims to officiate more matches at this year’s Fifa World Cup.
- This World Cup is the first to feature an expanded format with 48 participating teams.
- Siwela is hopeful and preparing for increased opportunities due to the tournament’s expansion.
- The expanded tournament format allows more matches and officials to be involved.
- Full story is available in the e-edition of Sunday World.
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Respected South Zakhele
Stadium. The Alexandra -born linesman will be officiating in his third Fifa World Cup tournament, and he is excited that there is a high possibility of running the line in more matches compared to previous tournaments.
He was previously assigned to the 2018 World Cup in Russia and the Qatar edition
in 2022. Besides working in a handful of Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, Siwela, and retired referee Victor Gomes, handled the 2021 Afcon final between Senegal and Egypt in Cameroon.
“The Sunday World.
“All the world cups are different; the one in Russia was very different to the last in
Qatar. This just shows that I have worked very hard and that my work has not been average – the World Cup is for the best players, the coaches and even referees. I hope to achieve more in my career because I have really worked hard, and kept fit physically and mentally.
“I hope I can get more matches because there are more countries taking part. I hope to get more matches in the knockout stages and also to progress very far with the best referees in the tournament and in the world.”
“It proves that the hard work put into our training programmes and the rigorous standards set by our instructors are bearing fruit. We have no doubt they will officiate with the integrity and excellence that have become their trademarks.
“The South
“The
