This lady can blow the soccer whistle

According to her, she used to go to watch the soccer matches of the local teams at Muledane. Those who did not know her thought she was a soccer fanatic when they saw her more often at the local playgrounds, but Tshilidzi was there to see what the whistle men do on the field of play.

Early last year, Tshilidzi decided to approach the office of the Northern Province East Regional Football Association and told them about her willingness to become a match official. She underwent some training, and within a short space of time, she was in a position to officiate a league match.

That resulted in her officiating at several Sanlam Halala League matches during the past season. She revealed that the most difficult match she ever officiated at was between Mangondi Ladies FC and Black Leopards Ladies FC.

According to her, the fans of Mangondi shouted abusive words at her during the game. She further said that she enjoyed officiating at the league match between Shayandima Ladies FC and Mphakhathi Ladies FC. Shayandima lost 1-3.

Tshilidzi was the only lady who managed to make the grade during the fitness tests that were held at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane a fortnight ago. The regional referee's instructor, Mr Samuel Maduwa, stated that Sadiki will soon be promoted to officiate in the Vodacom Promotional League matches

Sport - Date: 18 June 2004

Frank Mavhungu

Frank is a Human Resources Manager at the Department of Public Works in Limpopo. He is the longest serving correspondent of the Mirror, having joined us at the end of 1990.  He mainly writes sports reports and resides at Tsianda Village. In 2004, Frank won the National Castle League Award, an award for the best reporter in the SAB league in South Africa.

Email: