Head Of Referees at SAFA, Abdul Ebrahim has backed South African officials Victor Gomes and Zakhele Siwela to impress during a high-profile Group D clash involving defending champions France and Australia on Tuesday.
Gomes and assistant referee Victor Gomes were selected as the SA contingent to officiate at the 2022 World Cup hosted in Qatar.
READ | Lepasa responds to Rulani, Erasmus touchline heated exchange
"I sent him a WhatsApp message to wish him well, just to let him know that this is a very big game," Ebrahim tells KickOff.
"I mean he is going to officiate France and Australia, with France being the world champions.
"So that says a lot, it's a massive appointment, and we look forward to a massive match, we look forward to a massive performance from a very good match official.
"So yes, I'm very excited and we are looking forward to tonight, I hope the whole of South Africa watches this one.
"The amount of pressure of officiating in the World Cup is obviously very high.
"Victor has handled the Afcon final which is the biggest on the African continent, and we saw he came through that with flying colours.
"Now he is the focus of the entire world and he's handling the world champions.
"I'm sure there's a lot of nerves as far as Victor and the team are concerned, but I'm sure he will handle it, I'm sure he will settle into the game very quickly.
"The sooner they settle the easier the game becomes.
"We all keep our fingers crossed that can happen.
"I believe it is time for Africa, and Africa has excellent referees that have gone to the World Cup.
"I'm sure Victor he will allow the football to dominate the headlines.
"We've seen in the matches that have already been played, the referees are not that strict they allowed teams to play and only acted when they needed to.
"But the bottom line is we want Victor Gomes to be the Victor Gomes.
"We must not forget Zakhele Siwela as well, he is just as big."
You must be SIGNED IN to post and read comments.
Click here to register: https://www.snl24.com/auth/signin
