Vhembe ref makes PSL officiating debut
Thendo Makhavhu, Safa Vhembe's talented referee, promoted to PSL and ABC Motsepe leagues, inspiring youth to excel in sports and academics.
LIMPOPO – The Safa Vhembe Regional Football Association has once again produced another rising star.
Thendo Makhavhu, a talented referee from the region, has been promoted to officiate in both the PSL Betway and ABC Motsepe Foundation Championship leagues.
Makhavhu started his refereeing career in 2011 at just 16 years of age. Within a year, he advanced from the local football association to the regional level.
During the challenging year of 2020, amid the Covid-19 pandemic, the Hamutsha Muungamunwe-based referee was further promoted to officiate in the ABC Motsepe League.
His dream of becoming a professional referee came true three months ago when he was selected for the panel officiating Premier Soccer League matches.
Makhavhu has already officiated in MDC league games, with his debut being a national playoff match between Kruger and Dondol Stars in the Northern Cape in June.
He fondly recalls his most memorable game as the local derby between The Dolphins and Magezi during the 2020 Limpopo Promotional Playoffs.
Committed to inspiring young people, Makhavhu encourages the youth to strive for excellence in both sport and academics.
“I always urge youths to put more effort into what they do, be it academic work or sport,” he said, paying tribute to his mentors, particularly former referee Frederick Nyambeni, who instilled in him valuable life skills and the importance of having a match plan.
Looking ahead, Makhavhu hopes to officiate international matches within the next three years. He stressed the importance of education, advising young people to set achievable goals for their future.
