Referee Abongile Tom lifts lid on FIFA World Cup journey

Tom, alongside assistant referee Zakhele Siwela, will represent South Africa at the global showpiece – another significant milestone in their officiating careers. 

Speaking on Metro FM’s Sports Night Amplified with Andile, the respected referee offered a rare glimpse into his journey and reflected on a memorable encounter with coach Pitso Mosimane. 

"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," said Tom.

"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.

"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."

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Tom also took the opportunity to clarify why he is often absent from local games, having just recently been at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.  

"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 explained.

"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."