Zama Yokwana, Head of Referees for Safa Cape Town, stated that a minute of silence will be held ahead of all LFA matches following the tragic death of Akhona Ndzingothe (pictured), known as the “King of development.”
“Yes, there will be,” Yokwana confirmed to No Bones with Jones.
The 26-year-old official from the Lingelethu LFA was gunned down in Khayelitsha on Wednesday evening while on duty and this senseless killing has sent shockwaves through the football fraternity.
It is just very tragic and sad that someone so young, who offered so much and had still loads to offer, is no more.
The confident Ndzingo was referred to as ‘Teacher Ndzingo’ by his protégés as he was doing developmental work for young match officials at his LFA.
Yokwana stated that Ndzingo, a policeman by profession, served the organisation like any other match official – with no issues.
“All these years I could be guaranteed one or two match officials from the work that he does. Yokwana told No Bones with Jones. “He was the king of youth development in the Cape Town region. He was also a very good referee, you know.
Meanwhile, Safa CT’s president Bennett Bailey wrote on his Facebook page: “Akho played a huge role in football and when the story is told, the name of Akho will feature prominently.”
The HOD of referees in Mitchells Plain Gabriel De Bruin says the Lingelethu LFA has lost a big personality.
“He was young with a big and very mature heart,” De Bruin remembers. “He was very humble and always had a smile on his face. He was never angry. He was always willing to learn from the experienced guys and referred to his seniors as ‘Grootman.’ His boots won’t easily be filled,” De Bruin concluded.
Funeral arrangements are still to be confirmed.
