Abongile Tom

“So, like you are saying, my absenteeism most of the time is due to CAF duties and FIFA duties outside of the country – there are trainings, physicals that we need to do to make sure we are up to par and ready for America 2026.”

“Like now I've just landed today, I was on a task in Algeria; a month ago I was in Qatar on a two-week course, and then a week before that I was in Qatar again, and just before that I was in Egypt with CAF preparations.”

“He was the one who looked at me and said, 'Hey, this year you must take the award hey.' And it happened that way, so he's one of those encouraging critics where you take it to heart and then you improve.”

“I think that statement also came from a good heart from Bra Pitso, I still respect him until today, and I remember meeting him at the airport, just greeting in passing, I think in 2019 before the [PSL] awards ceremony.”

“As a young boy growing up, it was always been a dream to be part of the World Cup, so if I were to put it in words, I would not finish – it's one of those things whereby one cannot explain.”

“It was a bit strenuous – coming from a game and straight to work, and vice versa. So, I had to find a balance and be honest with myself. I don’t regret the decision even to this day.”

“The demands were too high when it came to SAPS. Even though I wish I could have continued with both, the pressure was too much. We’d leave for two months sometimes. I don’t think there’s any job that would want an employee to leave for that long.”

“In refereeing, it’s not a permanent job, but it has sustained us for the past 20 to 30 months.”

“Someone said, ‘my brother, I think this is meant for you, leave this football, and focus on refereeing. I think you can go somewhere’. That is where it started, and the journey has continued since.”

“I played, and still play, football. But I wasn’t the most gifted player, I saw a road that was less travelled.”

“The parents are not with you on the street or at school; you need to tell yourself what you want to achieve. When you make the right friends and choices, you’ll achieve those things.”

“It wasn’t easy growing up in the township. I can count a number of players who have lost their lives to crime. It was fortunate that we also played football. It’s the escape because without it people tend to be involved in other things.”

“One thing that I would say I had an advantage of, was strict parents,By 6pm, the gate had to be closed and lights had to be put on. If you are outside by 6pm, you might find yourself sleeping outside.”