Top PSL referee hangs up his whistle as retirement age of 47 looms

Top South African referee Victor Hlungwani has called time on his officiating career.

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Hlungwani began coaching in the 2002/03 season, taking charge of his first match between Santos FC and Island FC.

He was named PSL Referee of the Year in the 2011/12 season.

PSL retirement age for referees is 47

Due to the current PSL cut-off age for referees being 47, Hlungwani has little choice but to hang up his whistle – as confirmed by South African Football Association (SAFA) head of referees Abdul Ebrahim.

Victor Hlungwani will turn 47 on 4 February next year, but has elected to end his officiating career ahead of the new season.

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“Victor is 47-year-old, and he is retiring,” Ebrahim told Kickoff.

“So he’s reached the age where he has to retire from active football.

“And obviously when the body speaks as well one has to listen.

“He is starting to experience the aches and pains of being a senior match official.

“What I’m trying to say is when you are 47 years old it becomes more difficult to pass the fitness test etcetera.

“So Victor decided that you know, it’s time, So he’s calling it time in his career, and he’s bowing out very, very gracious.”

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