FOOTBALL NEWS - As we celebrate Women's Month, George Herald spent some time with one of the best female match officials on the Safa Eden Regional panel – Asanda Mlunguza (27) from George.
She currently works at Jonga High School as an assistant on sport enrichment.
GH: What is it like being a female match official in the Regional/Provincial panel alongside figures like Sibusiso Mvubu?
Mlunguza: To be honest, at first it wasn't easy because nobody ever told me what to expect from the refereeing industry in both genders – the emotional tempo of the game and mental fitness. However, through teamwork with seniors like Sibusiso Mvubu, there was always someone to motivate and lead me in maintaining the highest standards in games.
GH: Who is Asanda Mlunguza?
Mlunguza: Asanda is a young, active and passionate individual when it comes to sports. I was born in Engcobo in the Eastern Cape, but I grew up in George. I attended Thembalethu Primary School and matriculated at Thembalethu High. I started out as an athlete (long-distance runner), but began playing soccer in 2010 for the Paris United ladies team. I was the first woman to join the team. Later, I joined Young Chiefs. In 2011, I began playing for Thembalethu High School ladies' team. In 2012, I signed with Dangerous Darkies, Young Pirates ladies team, and George Girls United.
GH: Where did it all start?
Mlunguza: The journey began at Lawaaikamp Stadium when one of the Geolfa league executive members, Bongani Dyana, approached me to join their refereeing team. I didn't pay much attention to the call until Sibusiso Mvubu invited me for match officials' practice. From that point on, I never looked back – they continued to assign me Regional League fixtures to officiate.
GH: Could you briefly share why you chose refereeing above all else?
Mlunguza: Yes, in 2019, I stopped being a match official. I left because females were judged by many and were undermined – there was no respect in football for women. Females were not given a chance until years later. The women's team, Banyana Banyana, is now playing better than the South African men's team. Women are now well-recognised in sports development. In 2021, I decided to go back to doing what I love most. I genuinely hope to be the next female representing the Eden Region on bigger stages and inspire all the women in George. George is a developing city with a lot of hidden potential, even if they think their hard work goes unnoticed.
GH: What keeps you strong and encouraged?
Mlunguza: Akhona Makhalima, the Premier Soccer League match official, is an African woman from the Eastern Cape. Seeing her work as an official on TV makes me stronger. Reading her life story gives me hope and motivation.
GH: Who has assisted you in reaching your dream?
Mlunguza: Of the many who supported me, I want to single out Sibusiso Mvubu and Derrick Philander. They consistently push us to perform better on the field, helping us rectify our mistakes and ensuring we learn something new each day.
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