Renowned South African referee Victor Gomes has announced his retirement following the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The 40-year-old called time on a glittering career where he officiated many big games as well as being voted the PSL Referee of the Season in 2012/13 and 2017/18.
"The dream started when I was only a child," he said on Marawa Sports Worldwide. "Now that I've achieved the World Cup, I'm grateful and ready to spend time with my family. The eight-hour flight was enough for me to make the decision to retire. I discussed it with my wife. I believe I've been better than those who have come before me, and I want others to come and also do better than me. Football is in my blood; I will leave the field, but I will still contribute towards lifting the SA's flag high." Gomes refereed two World Cup group stage games, France's 4-1 victory over Australia and the controversial Japan 2-1 victory over Spain. His final game of the tournament was as a fourth official when Argentina beat Netherlands in a dramatic penalty shootout. Gomes developed a reputation of being a "card happy" referee; however, he has managed many important matches throughout his career, including the 2021 African Cup of Nations Final between Egypt and Senegal. (Source: News24)
Zambia’s top referee Janny Sikazwe has officially retired from active football at the age of 43. Sikazwe has been a referee for two decades and made his international debut in 2007. Sikazwe’s career took off in 2012 when he whistled his first match at the AFCON. He also officiated the 2017 AFCON final clash that saw Cameroon beat Egypt 2-1 in Libreville, Gabon. However, Sikazwe made headlines for the wrong reasons at the 2021 AFCON after twice ending a group game between Mali and Tunisia in the last ten minutes of the game in Cameroon. Sikazwe’s judgment during that match played in Limbe was said to be down to a bout of heatstroke. But that was Sikawze’s second controversial movement after he was briefly suspended from November 2018 to January 2019. Sikazwe was suspended for alleged corruption in the CAF Champions League semi-final final leg match between Esperance of Tunisia and Angolan club Premiero de Agosto. He also refereed the 2016 FIFA Club World Cup final between Real Madrid and Japanese side Kashima Antlers in Yokohama and was at the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup in South Korea. Sikazwe refereed two matches at the 2018 World Cup, followed by one this year in Qatar, Belgium against Canada. Sikazwe’s performance during the Belgium-Canada game had also been debated upon with two alleged penalties not given to Canada. In his defense, the VAR did not step in. (Source: FarPost) Speaking during a briefing, Sikazwe said his decision to retire was made before the World Cup, as he announced it to CAF and copied the Football Association of Zambia. Sikazwe says his focus area now will be to impart knowledge and skills in the upcoming officials to also reach the heights he achieved. FAZ Vice-President Justin Mumba has applauded Sikazwe for his role in marketing Zambia’s match officiating credentials to the world. He said the FIFA referee has done a noble thing by retiring while everyone is still clapping, adding that the FA will always be there for Sikazwe and the doors will always remain open for him to train others and give his expert views. (Source: FAZ)
