Dylan Bettencourt
One of South Africa’s top referees has been chosen to officiate in this summer’s Tokyo Olympics.
Victor Gomes will become the country’s second match official to ever be chosen for the post, after Jerome Damon officiated at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
The 38-year-old ref describes the appointment as the biggest achievement of his career thus far.
He said, “Being invited to officiate at the Tokyo Olympics Games is a huge honour for me. I am grateful to SAFA, CAF and FIFA for this recognition. This is the pinnacle point in my career and another step closer to my personal targets.”
Gomes, known for his firm style of officiating, continued to say he has a lot of hard work ahead of him, as he will be representing the whole of South Africa when he steps foot in Tokyo.
Natasha Tsichlas, South African Football Association’s (SAFA) chairperson of the referee’s committee, said this achievement proves the standard of officiating in South Africa.
She said, “The high number of our officials appointed to officiate in global showpieces is an indication of the high standards of our football officials.”
The Tokyo Olympics was originally set to take place in 2020 but due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the event was rescheduled and is now scheduled to take place from the 23rd of July until the 8th of August this summer.
Picture source: @KickOffmagazine
