From Police Constable to FIFA World Cup Referee: South African’s Incredible Journey
Meet Abongile Tom, the former police constable who made the ultimate career change to chase his football dreams! Now he’s heading to his first FIFA World Cup as a referee, joining fellow South African Zakhele Siwela (who’s making his third World Cup appearance) at the global showpiece in North America this June.
From walking the beat to running the lines at the world’s biggest football tournament – this is what determination looks like!
Both officials have worked their way up through the ranks to be among a record 170 match officials selected for the tournament taking place from 11 June to 19 July.
