No-nonsense referee Victor Gomes is ecstatic after he became the first South African whistleman to officiate in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
Gomes was the middle man when Senegal beat the Pharaohs of Egypt 4-2 on penalties following a goalless draw in 120 minutes in Yaounde, Cameroon, on Sunday evening. Assistant referee and Gomes’ compatriot Zakhele Siwela ran the line.
“I’m very ecstatic. I wanna say thanks to SAFA for giving me the opportunity to represent our country, represent my family, my association, my LFA,” Gomes said.
“People think you just wake one day and get a final. It’s not like that, it’s been a long journey and to get there it takes a minimum eight years. I guess Sunday will be one day I will never forget.”
Meanwhile, head of SAFA referees committee Natasha Tsichlas applauded Gomes and Siwela for representing South Africa with aplomb.
“Most probably, I’m the most happiest person as a head of the referees committee. I was very proud to say job well done. Our referees have been criticised many times. Today is the day that we must congratulate our referees. Victor Gomes made us very proud and Zakhele Siwela to officiate a final in the continent. This is a big achievement,” Tsichlas said.
