Ref Siwela sizzles on and off the field
JOBURG -– Alex referee Zakhele Siwela mesmerises on the catwalk as he parades the new OUTsurance outfit he and other referees will be wearing during soccer matches.
Top referee Zakhele Siwela gave up the whistle and the dishing out of red and yellow cards to mischievous soccer players for a temporary career on the catwalk.
And going by the admiration of the audience, the outstanding Alex referee with both Confederation of African Football (Caf) and Fifa recognition, must have done a hell of a good job as one of the four guinea pigs of the OUTsurance catwalk show.
Siwela, along with his colleagues Victor Gomes, Victor Hlongwane and the only rose among the thorns, Akhona Makalima, paraded the new sponsorship outfit referees will don during their official duties in matches in the Absa Premiership, National First Division, the ABC Motsepe League, the SAB League and the Sasol Women’s League.
For some reason, Siwela, a product of the Alexandra Northrand Local Football Association, garnered the most accolades during the catwalk, beating even Makalima.
Many were left bewildered as to whether this popularity had anything to do with his fancy catwalk moves or was simply because of his outstanding refereeing skills that have endeared him to the fans whether he is in Alex, during Premier Soccer League matches or on Caf and Fifa duty in some remote corner of Africa.
But after watching his nifty moves and taking nothing away from his refereeing skills, I was convinced he was in the wrong career and should consider hanging up his whistle for the catwalk. Soccer commentator Owen Ndlovu would have said of his moves, uyindoda Siwela, synonymous with brilliant performances by players.
‘Uyindoda simply means you are a true man who is prepared to die on the battlefield (of soccer) to save your teammates from the embarrassment of defeat by performing some heroic stunts to either score, defend or save a ball that had a goal written all over it.
Asked if the applause was for his catwalk moves or for his popularity on the field of play, Siwela replied, “It was a bit of both. I guess I am popular for what I do on and off the field, which includes my catwalk moves today.”
