Limpopo Mirror
Sport

This lady can blow the soccer whistle

By Limpopo Mirror • 18 June 2004

Her ambition was to become a popular football player, but she never got the chance to play during her heyday. After realising that playing was not within her reach anymore, Tshilidzi Sadiki decided to associate herself with her childhood sport, fo...

MULEDANE – Her ambition was to become a popular football player, but she never got the chance to play during her heyday. After realising that playing was not within her reach anymore, Tshilidzi Sadiki decided to associate herself with her childhood sport, football, but this time as a referee.

According to her, she used to go to watch the soccer matches of the local teams at Muledane. Those who did not know her thought she was a soccer fanatic when they saw her more often at the local playgrounds, but Tshilidzi was there to see what the whistle men do on the field of play.

Early last year, Tshilidzi decided to approach the office of the Northern Province East Regional Football Association and told them about her willingness to become a match official. She underwent some training, and within a short space of time, she was in a position to officiate a league match.

That resulted in her officiating at several Sanlam Halala League matches during the past season. She revealed that the most difficult match she ever officiated at was between Mangondi Ladies FC and Black Leopards Ladies FC.

According to her, the fans of Mangondi shouted abusive words at her during the game. She further said that she enjoyed officiating at the league match between Shayandima Ladies FC and Mphakhathi Ladies FC. Shayandima lost 1-3.

Tshilidzi was the only lady who managed to make the grade during the fitness tests that were held at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane a fortnight ago. The regional referee's instructor, Mr Samuel Maduwa, stated that Sadiki will soon be promoted to officiate in the Vodacom Promotional League matches

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