Linda Ximba
Female referee Akhona “SheRef” Makalima is hoping to officiate at the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023.
Her appointment as a Premier Soccer League (PSL) referee, will justify the 30-year-old’s belief that women are capable of holding their own in the traditionally male-dominated space.
Growing up in the rural Ngculu village in the Eastern Cape, Makalima dreamt of becoming a pro footballer and even saw herself representing South Africa at major tournaments.
“It was not to be. Opportunities to be spotted by bigger teams and the lack of proper infrastructure in my village blocked my progress. So I took up refereeing and started at the development stage,” said Makalima.
She says her bagging the Estée Lauder Style Star of the Year Award at the recent Momentum Gsport Awards is a sign she’s on the right track.
“While this award humbles me, it motivates me to work even harder.”
While she is eagerly awaiting the final decision on her appointment for the Australia-New Zealand showpiece, she said the World Cup in 2019 in France could have been her first assignment.
“But I chose an opportunity that was presented to me to take part in a Global Sport Mentorship programme in the US. It was a very good networking opportunity and I have no regrets about that.”
Makalima says she took the nasty gestures and criticism when officiating in her stride.
“But the players have never disrespected me. I’ve never been made to feel unwelcome on the pitch,” she said.
“Once I gave a player a red card in Cape Town and he verbally abused me. I told him he must never do that again.”
