Скачать или смотреть Akhona Makalima | Becoming a FIFA-listed Referee | World Cups, VAR & Empowering the Next Generation

In Part Two of our conversation with Akhona “She Ref” Makalima, we step onto the global stage. A FIFA- and CAF-accredited referee, Akhona has officiated at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, AFCON, the CAF Super Cup, and other major tournaments, representing South Africa with excellence and pride.
But her influence reaches far beyond the pitch. As an entrepreneur, community leader, and founder of the SheRef Foundation, Akhona is building pathways for young girls to enter football, grow in confidence, and rewrite their futures.

In this episode, we explore:
• Becoming a FIFA-listed referee
• What it felt like to get the World Cup call-up
• The pressure of officiating at international tournaments
• Working as a VAR referee and how technology shapes decision-making
• Whether South Africa is ready for VAR
• Mentorship, empowerment, and the mission behind the SheRef Foundation
• Handling criticism, pressure, and the emotional weight of refereeing
• Akhona’s legacy, future goals, and the headline she hopes to write for herself
Akhona is not just a referee — she is a symbol of resilience, leadership, and possibility. Her journey reminds us that representation isn’t just powerful — it’s necessary.

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