Akhona Makalima

“GSMP's Akhona Makalima is one of first certified female soccer referees in South Africa, October 11 2018”

“I never wanted to be a light that shines alone,If we have more lights shining, we will leave no shade. We will not miss anybody. We will light up tomorrow.”

“For girls who are teenage mothers, this is their second chance. Their lives aren't finished. I'm not going to lie: You cannot be a referee without an education. But through refereeing, I will reinforce the importance of education for women.”

“I am someone who came from the same background, or even worse,and I want to show them sport and education go together and that they have a future waiting for them if they choose it.”

“I believe if girls can excel in sports, they will also excel in academics, Sports give girls confidence, education and friendship. It takes them away from negative activities and refreshes their minds to desire more for their lives.”

“Fortunately, the game went very smoothly, Afterward, the internet was going crazy with people talking about a woman refereeing a game. Many people questioned why I was there. Others stood up for me and said, 'Look at her decisions. She knows what she's doing.'"”

“When I stepped into the field of play, I was making silly errors because I was not confident. Until one day I decided no, this is not me. Nobody is going to tell me how I am supposed to look. The only thing that is supposed to define me is the rule book.”

“I almost lost myself because [of this]. I was not comfortable. I did not love the person I was looking at in the mirror. I did not recognise myself.”

“I’m not going to change my structure. I’m not going to change the referee’s uniform that I wear so that people can feel that I am ‘okay’ as a referee.”

“I was training more than I was supposed to train and injuring myself in the process. Mentally, I had told myself that I have to look like a referee. But how does a referee look?”

“Already, when I show up, it means every decision I’ll be making in the field of play will be understood on the fact that I am a woman. ‘She makes soft calls. This is not netball. She belongs in the kitchen.’ I am still fighting those things. We are still being told where we belong, even in this day and age.”

“I took that opportunity. I had never dreamt of being a match official, never in my life. It was not even my plan C or D. But when I was afforded this opportunity [I grabbed it] … It’s taken me to places that I’ve never been to.”

“It’s a great opportunity for me and Safa. I’m really excited and grateful. I know the road won’t be easy. Getting to perform at the highest level is a privilege – a lot of referees have retired without being on that stage. But for getting to go there I remain grounded and grateful.”

“But I always had a feeling that there is something great that I will do.”

“I’m a dreamer. I’ve always known that I was destined for greatness. I just didn’t know how far I’d go.”