‘So what about us?’

Some of the match officials in the country, particularly in the lower divisions are concerned about whether they will benefit from the sponsorship deal between the South African Football Association (Safa) and Outsurance. Last week, Outsurance announced a R50 Million sponsorship deal over the period of five years for match officials. However, looking at how things have gone in the past, officials in the lower divisions feel they won’t even smell a cent from the association. “It is hard for guys at grassroots level, these people (Safa) don’t look after us. I don’t know whether to blame our local Safa branches or the main office. We don’t really get anything from them. For example, in the SAB League, we depend on match-day fees to travel and we don’t get any salaries. I can’t remember the last time Safa did something for us. I just hope they will think of us with this deal,” said the source.

Retiring AmaZulu striker Siyabonga Nomvethe (above) could be honoured with a benefit match at the end of the year when he hangs up his boots at the age of 40. Nomvethe is among the very few players who have played for all three Soweto giants in Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and the fallen Moroka Swallows, who were reincarnated as ABC Motsepe League club Swallows FC. The Nomvethe testimonial game has not yet been confirmed. however, word has it that are considering honouring the former Bafana Bafana striker who launched his professional career over two decades ago with African Wanderers.

Usuthu