Referee Victor Gomes talks Mo Salah. Photo: BackpagePix
WATCH: Victor Gomes on why he retired, challenge to ‘next gen’
Victor Gomes has shared some interesting insights after the South African Football Association (SAFA) announced a new role for him.
Referee Victor Gomes talks Mo Salah. Photo: BackpagePix
On Friday, the South African Football Association (SAFA) confirmed that former long-serving referee Victor Gomes had been appointed chair of SAFA Referees Committee.
He takes over from SAFA vice-president Natasha Tsichlas.
“The appointment of Gomes is in line with world football governing body FIFA’s requirement that the chair of the Referees Committee must be a former elite referee,” a statement read.
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Gomes retired soon after the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, having achieved almost everything any elite referee can dream of.
He handled the AFCON final between Senegal and Egypt in Cameroon before handling the CAF Champions League final between Al Ahly and Wydad AC at Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca in Morocco which the host club won 2-0.
He was also one of the few African referees appointed to officiate at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
When speaking to the media, Gomes said it was time for him to step aside and allow the next generation of officials the opportunity to break through and try to achieve more than he did during an illustrious career.
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Watch what Gomes had to say below:
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Gomes said he was humbled and touched by his latest appointment.
“I want to thank SAFA and especially the President (Dr Danny Jordaan) for the trust entrusted on me with this appointment,’’ said Gomes.
“I will put same commitment in this job with the same professionalism I showed during my days as the referee,’’ he added, saying implementing VAR was one of the several priorities which he wanted to get down to.
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