The sacrifice behind Abongile Tom’s rise

Today, Tom is one of the special 52 referees, who will officiate at the FIFA World Cup, kicking off in Mexico, USA and Canada this week. 

The Mount Fletcher born referee, took a calculated decision, as he comes from a country that doesn’t have a professional refereeing structure, but he had a plan...

"I think with anything and everything you want to achieve in life, there are sacrifices you have to make along the way. In order for me to make this a reality, I needed to make it my priority. Even looking back now, I don't regret the decision I took, I will forever be grateful and appreciative of SAPS."

READ: Bernard Parker reacts to permanent TS Galaxy appointment

A few years ago, Tom once told SABC Sport that officiating at the World Cup was his ultimate dream in football and for the next few weeks, he will be living that dream...

One of the reasons that Tom decided to leave the policing profession, was because of the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF’s) Elite refereeing programme, which required him to travel a lot internationally and, on the continent, spending more time officiating in big games while attending workshops. Here, they are decently paid by both CAF and FIFA and he says it was a major step for him.

Tom is also going to this World Cup well prepared and fine-tuned by CAF, having officiated in big games at AFCON’S and also CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup finals as well. This is something he doesn’t take for granted...

"There's courses that you attend throughout the year and workshops you need to go through, so it's all about consistent hard work. It always keeps you at par, and we are working hard to be at the same level as our European, asian, and American countries."