Akhona Makalima says the key to growing as a match official is to improve every day

But she is quick to add that it is important that match officials work on improving all the time.

There has been a wave of unhappiness over decisions by match officials in South Africa both in the Betway Premiership and the Hollywoodbets Super League. Speaking exclusively to SABC Sport, Makalima says while no one is perfect, improvement and growing in the game is key.

"For me, I don't really get intimidated or hurt by things that people say on social media, as long as you don't know the law, as long as you don't know how to interpret the law as long as you don't know how to enforce the law, what does the law say? What does the interpretation of the law say," Makalima said.

"Also, I understand that people will come with their own analysis and understanding of the game. We deal with considerations and everything. I cannot respond to everyone, I need to go and watch myself, analyse myself, for me to improve.

“I will not lie and say I will not make mistakes, we all make mistakes but at the end of the day, how do we improve from those? Go and watch, analyse, get clips, get considerations, send to somebody else and then you improve. So, those things don't weigh me down. It's just a matter of, I need to improve every day."

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Makalima was recently in Saudi Arabia alongside compatriot Abongile Tom at the prestigious 2024 CAF Super Cup final between North African giants Al Ahly and Zamalek.

This was the second edition of the tournament and Makalima and Tom are the first South Africans to officiate in the competition.

"I think the most critical thing is that they need to be ready, if you want to do something or if you want to go far in refereeing or anywhere in the world, you just need to get yourself ready,” she added.

“Sometimes we kick and scream because opportunities are not coming and then you are being given that opportunity, you are not ready. So, when you get that opportunity, you need to be ready, grab it with both hands and run away with it.

“Lastly, I don't want women to be given opportunities because they are women, I want women to get opportunities because they deserve it and they have worked hard for them."