South African Referees Retained on FIFA Panel for 2026

Published on by

South African Referees Retained on FIFA Panel for 2026
Abongile Tom gestures during the Africa Cup Of Nations match between Senegal and Mali at Tangier Stadium on January 9, 2026 in Tangier, Morocco. Photo by Thor Wegner/DeFodi Images - *** Abongile Tom gestures during the Africa Cup Of Nations match between Senegal and Mali at Tangier Stadium on January 9, 2026 in Tangier, Morocco Photo by Thor Wegner DeFodi Images

South Africa will continue to enjoy strong representation on the international stage after all referees from last year’s FIFA list were retained for 2026.

The panel has also been bolstered by the inclusion of Hloniphile Msezane, who joins the roster of female officials.

Increased Representation

The latest list features nine referees, one more than last year, and eight assistant referees. Selection to the FIFA panel is regarded as the highest honour for match officials, granting them the opportunity to oversee fixtures at international level.

Referees

The referees named on the panel are:

PSL Ref Alfred Chavani
  • Eugene Mdluli, the longest-serving South African referee on the list since 2019.
  • Luxolo Badi and Abongile Tom, both retained for a sixth successive year. Badi was recognised as PSL Referee of the Season at the conclusion of the last campaign.
  • Alfred Chavani, who has been on the panel since 2002.
  • Masixole Bambiso, added in 2023.
  • Sikhumbuso Gasa, now in his second year on the FIFA list.
  • Hloniphile Msezane, newly appointed to the female referees’ panel.
  • Akhona Makalima and Nonjabulo Ndlela, continuing their roles as female referees.

Makalima and Tom are also accredited as VAR officials, reflecting FIFA’s growing reliance on technology in officiating.

Assistant Referees

The assistant referees’ contingent is led by Zakhele Siwela, who has been on the panel since 2010 and recently returned from his seventh Africa Cup of Nations finals.

He is joined by Cledwin Baloyi, Kgara Mokoena, Kamohelo Ramutsindela, Khamusi Razwimisani, and Elphas Sithole. On the female side, Nandipha Menze and Maneo Tau complete the list.

Veteran Official Nears Retirement

Veteran referee Thando Ndzandzeka is in his final season after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 46. Having considered stepping down last year, he was persuaded to continue for one more campaign and has already officiated 10 Premiership matches as the season reaches its halfway point.

International Assignments

ICONSPORT 231626 0021

South African referees have also been active abroad:

  • Abongile Tom served as fourth official in the Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat and has overseen seven domestic top-flight matches this season. The 34-year-old former policeman from Nyanga was the only South African referee present at the Cup of Nations in Morocco.
  • Jelly Chavani, who turned 30 earlier this month, has officiated five league matches but was away for extended periods due to assignments at the U-17 World Cup in Qatar and the African Nations Championship staged in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Domestic Scene

In total, 24 referees have taken charge of PSL top-flight matches this season, underlining the depth of officiating talent in the country.

With experienced figures, emerging officials, and a growing female presence, South Africa’s refereeing fraternity continues to strengthen its standing both locally and internationally.

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

Author

Willis Sob is an experienced journalist who has been in the game since 2009, covering major assignments around the continent.
His hunger for African football is unmatched, always getting the best angles and facts to feed the fans and quench their thirst.

You May Also Like