The South African Football Association (SAFA) has taken action against two match officials following crucial errors in recent matches that had match-altering consequences. Tshidiso Maruping and Cledwin Baloyi will not be receiving any top-flight appointments for a set period, as recommended by SAFA’s Referees Technical Committee.
The errors were committed in matches between Swallows vs TS Galaxy and SuperSport United vs Golden Arrows. SAFA Head of Referees Abdul Ebrahim confirmed the decision, adding that the officials will be put through a rehabilitation program where they will work with national and provincial instructors.
“Our Technical Committee ensures that the individuals are put through what we call a rehabilitation program where they work with technical instructors from both National and Provincial,” Ebrahim said. “They officiate lower league Provincial or Regional matches where they are assessed, and their performances are scrutinized.”
The instructors will report on the officials’ progress during this period to the Technical Committee, who will then advise the referees department on their readiness to return to National duty. During this period, the duo will be eligible for the ABC Motsepe League, Motsepe Foundation Championship and the DStv Diski Challenge.
️ “We have worked so hard as a nation to get to this point in women’s football and I believe it will be a great year.”
➖ @LydiaMonyepao, COO of the South African Football Association (@SAFA_net) pic.twitter.com/AXruUndHdH
— SportsMvtInsider (@sports_mvt) February 8, 2023
