27 February 2023 – South African rising referee Abongile Tom and veteran assistant referee Zakhele Siwela continue to make their mark internationally. The pair has been appointed by the Confederation of African Football to officiate in two critical matches this coming month.
Tom, fresh from officiating the Soweto derby between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates has once again been thrusted into the continental limelight so is seasoned Siwela who was part of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar alongside the now retired Victor Gomes.
Tom and Siwela are set to travel to Egypt early next week for the CAF Confederations Cup fixture between Future FC of Egypt and Moroccan side ASFAR Club on 8 March 2023. Cairo- Al Salam Stadium will host this match.
The two will be accompanied by Luxolo Badi who will be the Forth Official while second Assistant referee is Ivanildo Meirelles De Oliveira of Angola.
Tom and Siwela will then return to domestic football before jetting out again for the AFCON 2023 qualifier between Congo DR and Mauritania on 24 March 2023. Here, they will team up with another South African Alfred Chavani who will be the fourth official in that encounter. The second assistant referee will be Ivanildo Meirelles De Oliveira of Angola.