Akhona Makalima 'overwhelmed with emotions' after FIFA Women's World Cup nod

Makalima, one of the only recognised female referees in the local game, will be joining Banyana Banyana at the global showpiece set for July and August in Australia and New Zealand.

A regular feature in Premier Soccer League, the 34-year-old is no stranger to the international scene after recently officiating at the 2022 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Costa Rica and last year's Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where South Africa were crowned champions. 

Makalima has also been a FIFA-accredited official since 2014, when she earned her big break in the local men's game, and has gone on to become one of the most revered referees in the country – among her male colleagues too.

Known as "SheRef", Makalima has expressed her delight at being called up to the biggest stage in world football.

‘’It is always satisfying when you put all the hard work and you see it paying off," she told SAFA.net.

"SAFA and most officials have been putting in a lot of hard work to improve the officiating in the country and the number of officials appointed for FIFA and CAF tournaments is a testament to the Association and officials' hard work.

"My heart is filled with huge excitement and gratitude. This is what we all strive for as match officials – officiating at the biggest stage and I really want to thank all those involved in this project for a job well done.

"I am really overwhelmed with emotions, words cannot express my excitement."

Makalima will be joined by continental counterparts Vincentia Amedome of Togo, Bouchra Karboubi of Morocco and Rwanda's Salima Mukasanga, while several assistant referees from Africa will also jet out Down Under.

Banyana, who will be making their second appearance at the World Cup, have been pitted in Group G alongside Italy, Argentina and Sweden, who they will face in their opening clash on 23 July at Wellington Regional Stadium in New Zealand.

The continent's other representatives include Zambia, Nigeria and Morocco, while Cameroon and Senegal can still make it to the finals via the qualification mini-tournament taking place from 18-23 February.