SOCCER NEWS - The South African Football Association's (Safa) Eden Region and the George Local Football Association are beaming with pride after two local match officials recently successfully passed their fitness test at the University of Johannesburg.

The course took place over five days.

The female referees are Asanda Mlunguza (30) and Cynthia Dick (24), both from Thembalethu. 

Following their impressive results, they will proudly raise the George flag high while representing the Western Cape and Safa Eden on the national panel.

Both officials started their journey with the George Local Football Association a few years ago. They will now follow in the footsteps of George's award-winning officials Masixole Bambiso, Thabo Thwayise and Sibusiso Mvubu.

The journey begins

Mlunguza said passing the fitness test felt like the beginning of the journey, and that there is still a lot of work to be done with her fitness levels. 

She believes consistency in training will help her improve and reach the next level on the national panel. 

She thanked the male referees in George for their support and effort, as well as everyone who believed in them.

Happy and excited

Dick, who is currently coaching at Thembalethu High School, works under the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport as part of the Mass Participation Opportunity and Access Development and Growth programme.

She said she felt happy and excited. 

Although she passed her first fitness test in 2023, she struggled at times and even felt like giving up. However, one thought stayed in her mind - that she could not fail.

Dick said she worked extremely hard to keep her place in the Western Cape and on the national panel. 

This year, she passed with flying colours, both mentally and physically.

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