The hard work of the South African Football Association (SAFA) Referees’ Department continues to reap rewards and benefits for the country.

One of the top referees in South Africa, Zakhele Siwela is currently flying the country’s flag high at the on-going FIFA U20 World Cup in South Korea.

He has been at the world football showpiece since 12 May 2017.

The 34-year-old referee from Alexandra Township in the Gauteng Province is no stranger to high profile international competitions. Siwela accompanied Daniel Bennett as his assistant at the Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Gabon earlier this year.

“We have been closely watching Mr. Siwela in Korea and we must say that he has done exceptionally well. The Association is humbled by the trust that is continuously bestowed upon us by CAF and FIFA in such important tournaments,” said Peter Sejake, SAFA’s Head of Referees Department.