Yanelisa Phakathi is a 24-year-old from Bizana and according to reports is currently doing her honours degree in Human Movement Studies at the Faculty of Health at the University of Fort Hare, has been appointed as a referee in the professional Hollywood Football league.
Although she says, whilst growing up she had not played any active sports and only developed an interest in Frisbee after joining UFH.
“I thought to myself that the only thing that I more familiar with is soccer since my friends used to play soccer as well and I grew up watching it on television, so I decided to go for football refereeing instead of rugby”, said Yanelisa.
According to reports the young ref started refereeing in October 2021 and holds a level 4 referring certificate which puts in in the national panel doing both Hollywood and Sasol Super leagues.
Yanelisa describes officiating as challenging especially “for us as women but it is very exciting at the same time. We do not see many women referees while we are capable”.
She one day wants to see herself officiating in the Premier Soccer league and be a FIFA referee, following in the footsteps of the likes of Akhona Makalima, who is one of the leading football officials in the continent.
She urged other fellow young ladies who are passionate to go for it.
“There are plenty of opportunities in the sports industry and few women referees in the country. The opportunity requires a lot of training and fitness tests at the start of every league”, said Yanelisa.
