The SAFA Vhembe Regional Football Association has produced yet another referee to officiate in top professional league matches. Mr Thendo Makhavhu has been appointed to the panel of referees who will officiate in the Premier Soccer League games and the ABC Motsepe Foundation Championship League this coming season.

Makhavhu’s refereeing career began in 2011, when he was 16 years old. He was promoted from the local football association to officiate at the regional level within just one year. In 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic, he was promoted to officiate in the ABC Motsepe League.

Makhavhu has already officiated in MultiChoice/Diski Challenge league matches. His debut game was between Kruger and Dondol Stars during the national play-off matches in Northern Cape in June this year.

He cited his most memorable game as a local derby between The Dolphins and Magezi in the Limpopo Promotional play-offs in 2020.

“I am committed to helping and inspiring young people to become excellent sportsmen and sportswomen,” he said. “I always urge youths to put more effort into whatever they do, whether in academic work or sport.”

Makhavhu also paid tribute to his mentors, including the well-known former referee Mr Frederick Nyambeni, who taught him various life skills. He noted that Nyambeni had encouraged him to stay focused when officiating matches and to always have a match plan ready. Makhavhu indicated that his aim is to officiate during international matches within three years.