Eastern Cape-born soccer referee, Akhona Makalima, has been hailed by the provincial government following her selection to officiate at the upcoming FIFA Women’s Soccer World Cup tournament in Australia and New Zealand.
The showpiece kicks off from 20 July to 20 August 2023.
Eastern Cape Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture MEC, Nonceba Kontsiwe congratulated Makalima after FIFA announced the names of the 33 referees, 55 assistant referees, and 19 video match officials.
Kontsiwe said the 34-year-old Makalima, who was born in Nqamakwe, became the first certified female soccer referee in South Africa after receiving funding from the Department’s program aimed at training referees in East London.
“She officiates for FIFA, the Premier Soccer League, the Sasol Women’s League, and the South African Football Association. She is also a member of the Eastern Cape Women in Sport Support Network.”
Meanwhile, SAFA said Makalima is among 12 elite African match officials appointed for the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“This will be the first FIFA Women’s World Cup assignment for the Eastern Cape-born Makalima something that will further decorate her already prestigious resume,” SAFA said.
She said in a statement that the upcoming World Cup appointment was one of the greatest achievements in her rising career. She said she was looking forward to the tournament and making the country proud.
"It is always satisfying when you put all the hard work and you see it paying off. SAFA and most officials have been putting in a lot of hard work to improve the officiating in the country and the number of officials appointed for FIFA and CAF tournaments is a testament to the Association and officials' hard work," Makalima said.
