14 April 2026 – The South African Football Association (SAFA), the National Referees Committee (NRC) and the Referees Department are immensely proud to announce that referee Abongile Tom and assistant referee Zakhele Siwela have been officially nominated by FIFA to represent South Africa at the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026.
This prestigious selection to the tournament, to be hosted in the United States of America, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July 2026, serves as a testament to the world-class calibre of match officiating in South Africa. Having our officials once again called to the highest stage of global football reinforces South Africa’s standing as a premier producer of technical excellence on the continent and beyond.
Both Abongile Tom and Zakhele Siwela have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to their refereeing careers. Their path to this nomination has been built on hard physical training and a clear understanding and application of the laws of the Game. This is coupled with an exceptional ability to maintain composure under the immense pressure of not only national, but also international competition. Their consistency on the field is a direct result of their personal discipline and their drive to remain at the pinnacle of the profession.
While the spotlight shines on our two nominees, the NRC acknowledges that this achievement is the product of a strong support system. This success would not be possible without the tireless “behind-the-scenes” efforts of our dedicated team:
- The Assessors’ evaluations and honest feedback ensure that our officials never settle for mediocre performances
- The instructors, who work around the clock to translate complex technical directives into actionable skills, ensure that our officials are always aligned with international thinking
- The Technical instructors provide the framework and resources necessary for our officials to thrive in a rapidly evolving professional landscape.
“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, but a victory for our entire development pathway. It proves that the hard work put into our training programs 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,” said SAFA in a statement.
“The presence of South African referees at the FIFA World Cup is a significant milestone that confirms our ongoing investment in official development. These nominations prove that our programs are successfully aligning domestic talent with global standards.”
As Abongile and Zakhele prepare for this historic tournament, the Referees Department and the National Referees Committee stand fully behind them, confident that they will continue to inspire the next generation of South African match officials to reach the world stage.
Our progress is made possible by the ongoing support of the South African Football Association. Their commitment to the development of match officials ensures that South African refereeing remains aligned with international excellence.
South African Football: The team has played over 150 international matches.
Muzish
South Africa’s domestic rugby competition, called the Currie Cup, dates back to 1891 and is one of the oldest rugby competitions in the world. The competition features South African provincial teams and is named after the British colonial administrator Sir Donald Currie, who donated the trophy.
Jetta Talent
A cricket ball weighs around 5 ½ ounces.