Victor Gomes leads nine South Africans into key COSAFA positions

Former FIFA referee Victor Gomes has been appointed Chairman of the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) Referees Committee, leading a group of nine South Africans appointed to key positions within the regional football governing body.

The South African Football Association (SAFA) welcomed the appointments announced in October, describing them as recognition of the expertise and experience of South African football administrators and professionals.

Gomes will lead the Referees Committee, while football administrator Linda Zwane has been appointed Chairperson of the Technical and Development Committee.

The other seven South Africans appointed to COSAFA's standing committees and independent bodies are Mxolisi Sibam (Finance Committee), Dr Thulani Khangelani Ngwenya (Medical Committee), Pius Clive Nqandela (Commercial and Television Committee), Pooblan Govindasamy (Futsal and Beach Soccer Committee), Tankiso Modipa (Disciplinary Board), Andile Ngconjana (Ethics Board) and Job Mchunu (Governance and Compliance Committee).

SAFA chief executive officer Lydia Monyepao said the appointments provide South Africa with an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to football development across the Southern African region.

SAFA president Dr Danny Jordaan also congratulated Gomes, praising his contribution to refereeing and football governance.

Gomes, who retired from active refereeing in 2022, was named Premier Soccer League Referee of the Season in 2012/13 and 2017/18. He officiated at several Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, including the 2021 final between Senegal and Egypt, and concluded his active refereeing career at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

He also serves as Vice-Chairman of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Referees Committee and is expected to work as a technical instructor at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar from November 19 to December 13, 2026.

The appointments strengthen South Africa's representation in COSAFA's football administration structures, covering areas ranging from refereeing and technical development to finance, medical services and governance.