COSAFA wishes to congratulate and send our best wishes to two stalwart referees from the region who have called time on their careers.

South Africa’s Victor Gomes and Janny Sikazwe from Zambia both participated at the World Cup in Qatar, and have now announced their retirement, going out on a high at the global stage.

The 39-year-old Gomes took charge of two games, France’s 4-1 win over Australia in the pool stages and Japan’s 2-1 stunning success against Spain. His journey on the international stage started with the COSAFA Under-17 Championships.

“The dream started when I was only a child,” he told Marawa Sports Worldwide. “Now that I’ve achieved the World Cup, I’m grateful and ready to spend time with my family.

“The eight-hour flight was enough for me to make the decision to retire. We discussed this with my wife.

“I believe I’ve been better than those who have come before me and I want others to come and also do better than me. Football is in my blood, I will leave the field but I will still contribute towards lifting the SA’s flag high.”

Sikazwe was in charge of Belgium’s 1-0 pool stage win over Canada, and like Gomes ends an illustrious career that has seen him take charge of Africa Cup of Nations and CAF club competition deciders.

“He (Sikazwe) had stated that this just ended World Cup in Qatar would be his last assignment,” Football Association of Zambia referees manager Aziph Banda told the Daily Mail.

“He is retiring but he will play a role in the development of refereeing in Zambia since he has vast knowledge.”