The South African Football Association (SAFA) has promised to minimise blunders committed by match officials.
This comes after South African match officials were criticised heavily following a series of blunders in recent matches.
Natasha Tsichlas, chairperson of the SAFA referees’ committee, is adamant that South Africa has some of the best match officials in Africa. She added that that was evidenced by the high number of officials on the FIFA panel.
“Yes, we might have had a few bad calls here and there by some officials, but that does not amount to a blanket low standards of refereeing,” Tsichlas said.
“We review all matches and results are provided, in most cases, the following day and where an official is guilty, we sanction that individual without fear or favour.”
The former Mamelodi Sundowns managing director has also promised that all sanctions and review results would be made public in the coming weeks.
Former referee Chris Harrison, an attorney whose refereeing career was cut short by an injury, is part of the review committee.
“These are difficult times, our officials are trying their best, but that does not mean we can condone poor officiating,” Tsichlas said.
