Referee Abongile Tom back on sidelines as Orlando Pirates’ 12th man

by Nomonde Simelane

SAFA referee Abongile Tom has made his long-awaited return to the sidelines following the controversy surrounding his officiating at last year’s MTN 8 final. In his short return, soccer fans have already accused the official of conspiring with Orlando Pirates.

Abongile Tom is an experienced official with plenty of international experience; he boasts of being listed as an international official with the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). Although maintaining a relatively clean and successful career, it appears he has lost the trust of some fans after making a few questionable calls throughout the course of 2024.

In his latest outing, the infamous referee was tasked with officiating a clash between his ‘favourite’ team and Limpopo side Sekhukhune FC.  As expected, this had fans of Orlando Pirates as well as their opponents talking and speculating prior to the match, as some claimed that there is no hope for Sekhukhune when Abongile will be overseeing matters for the Buccaneers.

Just as fans called it, Abongile made a questionable call against Sekhukhune which resulted in a subsequent Orlando Pirates goal, allowing the Soweto Giants to come away with a 2-1 victory over their opponents. According to viewers, the official missed an important handball call which occurred in Sekhukhune’s penalty box, denying them the opportunity to equalise the game.

After this incident, fans are now more convinced than ever before of a relationship between Abongile and the Buccaneers, which they deem has become detrimental to mzansi diski and have called for the officials sacking.

With Pirates set to take Mamelodi Sundowns this weekend, Buccaneer fans have expressed joking around about their wish to have Abongile officiating that match-up, as his ‘assistance’ might come in handy against the Brazilians who are a force to be reconned with.

Also see: Not all heroes wear capes! Anele Mdoda intervenes in racial matter involving former high school