Assistant ref dies after car crash

The South African Football Association (Safa) and Fifa assistant referee Shaun Olive has died following a car accident last week.

South Africa’s football governing body said in a statement that Olive “sustained serious injuries after being involved in a freak motor accident in Mondeor on Thursday”.

He succumbed to his injuries on Saturday morning.

“We are gutted as the association. Here was a young man, taken away at the prime of his career. Shaun was among the rising young officials and his death is a huge blow to the country, the continent and world,” Safa president Danny Jordaan said.

Chair of Safa’s referees’ committee Natasha Tsichlas said she was shocked to hear of Olive’s death.

“We extend our most sincere condolences to Shaun’s family, his fiancé, friends and the refereeing family as we come to terms with his tragic death.

“We pray that they will be comforted and experience deep peace today, and the days hereafter.

“Shaun’s bubbly presence and amiable character will be sorely missed among us. He showed so much promise and was at the cusp of a flourishing career,” added Tsichlas.

The Premier Soccer League (PSL) said a minute’s silence would be held in honour of Olive ahead of matches at the weekend.

“The PSL is saddened by the death of the 2019-20 PSL assistant referee of the season. The league will observe a moment of silence in his honour ahead of this weekend’s Nedbank Cup, DStv Premiership, Diski Challenge and GladAfrica Championship fixtures,” a statement read.

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Here was a young man, taken away at the prime of his career. Danny Jordaan President of the South African Football Association