The future looks bright for promising young football referee Khumbelo Rakhavha from Muraleni village in the Sinthumule area.
Rakhavha was one of the match officials in the Safa Vhembe League during the past soccer season. At the end of the season, he was nominated as the best referee and presented with a trophy.
The awards were handed to him and other referees during a ceremony hosted by the Makhado Local Football Association and Safa Vhembe Stream E, held on Saturday in Muraleni. Livhuwani Mbasigidi also received a trophy for being named best referee of the season in the Makhado Local Football Association's Streams E and F.
After many years as a football player, Rakhavha switched to officiating, initially refereeing matches under the Makhado Local Football Association. During his playing days, he turned out for teams such as Muraleni Young Rebellion and United. He was promoted to officiate in the Safa Vhembe League three years ago.
Asked whether he had ever been approached by a club official attempting to bribe him, he responded firmly: "Maybe they are afraid to approach me because they know I am a man of strong principles."
He credited Mr Tshifhiwa Mendula "Mendfula" Sadiki and Hendrick "Bunta" Muhovhekamyi as key figures who inspired his refereeing career. He also thanked referee selector Dr Samuel Tshigomana and George Musekwa for giving him the opportunity to officiate in both associations.