VAR a necessary tool – PSL referee Akhona Makalima

The 35-year-old was invited by CAF to be a little bit out of her comfort zone instead of being in the thick of it on the pitch.

Speaking to SABC Sport in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, Makalima shared her experience.

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"I would say it has been a very good experience. A lot of things to learn in a short space of time and a lot of growth, I would say because previously in other tournaments I came as VAR but to perform at the highest, it gives me a lot of experience," Makalima said.

" Obviously, there are a lot of challenges in the field, the standard of football has improved so much and it needs us to focus and also to be consistent. I'm sure now Africa can see the consistency and how much we are performing, that's really great for the continent."

During the tournament so far, the referees – and by association the VAR as well – have come in for praise.

For Makalima, the game needs this intervention.

"It's a beautiful tool if it's used correctly and if we understand correctly what is it that we need to intervene on and for the betterment of the game and for the improvement of the game, it has been amazing. I just wish that people can understand and give it a try or give it a chance. I mean they've seen the benefit of it and we've also seen the benefit of it. It's a very good tool, it's a good tool," Makalima added.

The PSL and SAFA are yet to confirm when VAR will become part and parcel of the domestic leagues, but one of the top match officials, who has been joined by Abongile Tom at the AFCON, has already absorbed as much information as possible.

"Just relax, calm, analyse and understand football because to be a referee at the top, more than anything before you blow the whistle, it's all about football understanding. So, more than anything, football understanding and consistency, this is what I'm taking away from this tournament. This is what is important."