GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - Group Editors sport correspondent Zama Gagu spent time with talented DStv Premier League Match Assistant Referee, Thabo Twayise, after his excellent performance as linesman / assistant referee during the MTN 8 quarter finals match between Lamontville Golden Arrows and Supersport United on Saturday 14 August. The game was played at Princess Magogo Stadium in Durban.
Twayise (27) was born and bred in Knysna and completed high school at Knysna Secondary in 2014. He moved to George in 2018 for work. Gagu asked him about his journey.
ZG: How does it feel to officiate one of the biggest leagues like the DStv Premier league?
TT: Eish, I feel very happy and grateful for that. It is great to be part of the professional ranks of the Safa National Panel of match officials.
ZG: Where did it all start?
TT: It started in Knysna when I was 18 in 2012. I thought to myself: let me quit playing soccer as I saw that I won't make it to the top divisions. Then I approached Knysna LFA executive member Chris Tyhawana and told him I wanted to be a match official. He said he wanted to see me in a match situation. Luckily enough, Knysna LFA games were on at the time. My first day officiating was for two big teams from Knysna.
After the game Chris Tyhawana called me and said I was good and invited me to join the LFA team of match officials. Eish, I felt so happy to hear those words. Secondly, what made me strong and full of hope is the likes of Thabo September.
He also played soccer for Knysna LFA and went on to play professional football for various Premier League soccer clubs. That kept me going and encouraged me a lot. It made me believe in myself that one day I will make it too - but I needed to be patient and my time would come.
My chance came in 2015 when SAB National Instructors were on a road show in all regions, including Lawaaikamp Stadium in George. We were trained by the Safa SAB instructors and out of 40 match officials, three of us caught the eye of the instructors.
Well-known referee instructor Sylvester Ndaba and his tactical team were impressed with the refereeing talent in the Eden Region. Masixole Bambiso, myself and Khotso Johannes were invited to join the SAB referee team a month after the road show. We attended an SAB referee workshop and that was the start of my career.
ZG: Working as an assistant referee, what are the challenges and what have you learned?
TT: Ha ha ha ha! Sometimes this question makes me smile. I hate being wrong. It is no fun making wrong decisions during play. I have really learned a lot in the short space of time as an assistant referee about the intricate rules of the game. I have learned a lot about camaraderie - we are brothers and sisters of the game of whistle. Seriously though, it is a great deal of fun, but there's a great deal that goes into being a referee: desire, commitment, effort, fitness and team work.
ZG: Share your voice with us. What needs to be done to stop the spread of Covid-19?
TT: Let's all fight this battle together. We can beat this if we all do the right things. Let's respect the country's rules and regulations regarding the virus. Wear a mask, wash your hands, sanitise, and, by all means, avoid large gatherings. Please, please get vaccinated.
ZG: Any word of advice for an aspiring referee?
TT: Focus and study the rules of the game and make sure you understand the rules. Never give up. Ignore those who tell you you can't. Keep quiet and carry on. Respect others and respect football. Stay fit and give your best. One band, one sound.
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